Chief DeVaul Remembered As Transformative Leader In Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Community members are remembering Police Chief Jimmy DeVaul, who died suddenly at the age of 53, as a force for good in Maplewood.

The township announced DeVaul's death on Saturday morning. His funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

DeVaul joined the Maplewood Police Department in 1993 and was named police chief in 2018, the same year the Community Board on Police was created.

Mayor Dean Dafis said DeVaul "transformed the department."

"This is a very big loss for us. Jimmy led with deep conviction, challenging the old guard, transforming the Department and bringing us closer together — truly Maplewood’s finest!” Dafis said in a statement.

The Community Board on Police commemorated DeVaul's role in creating the board and maintaining its work by pushing for transparency and accountability.

"Above all, Chief DeVaul owned what the department did well and was honest about how the department could better," the Board on Police said. "Even at times when the Board and the Chief saw matters differently, the Chief kept an open mind and always engaged in respectful dialogue."

DeVaul advocated for the Maplewood Restorative Justice Program for youth and "worked to build a police force that better represents the community it serves," Board members added.

"Chief, we will miss you, your laugh, and your partnership. Our hearts are heavy without you here."

SOMA Action, a progressive grassroots organization in South Orange and Maplewood, said DeVaul was "an ally" in their work and that leaders were "heartbroken" to learn of his passing.

"We mourn this loss along with the rest of our community, and send our deepest condolences to his family during their time of grieving," SOMA Action leaders said.

Police departments from around Essex County, and in other parts of New Jersey, also shared their condolences with DeVaul's family, friends, and the Maplewood community.

Deputy Police Chief Albert Sally was named acting police chief last week, when DeVaul suffered a medical incident.