Passing of a Friend

Today Northeast Area and Department Personnel bid farewell to Sergeant J.J. Cernigilia.  JJ did not pass away in a hail of gunfire, or while saving someone from a fire; yet, he did give his life in the service of his country and city.  JJ recently lost his battle to a terminal illness.  JJ, as we knew him, was a former United States Marine and 30 year plus veteran of the Department assigned to Northeast Area.  As a sergeant and a good friend of his said, JJ was a "Sergeant's cop," caring and fighting for his officer's best interest.  Taking on the fight for the deployment of more officers.

He was described as a person of integrity, a family man, and dedicated husband.  Words that accurately capture the very essence of the man.  To his family and friends we extend our heart felt sympathies.  To the Northeast Community and City of Los Angeles we lost one of our better Assistant Watch Commanders.  We are all richer for have known him, but poorer for losing him. 

It was my privledge and luck to have worked with JJ.  I guess God needed a good AWC. 

Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre   

Comments

[Mark]

My condolences to Sgt. Cernigilia's family; and to the LAPD family.

Mark
Portland, OR

[K Stone]

Dear Lieutenant Ruben De La Torre, I am truly sorry for your loss, which is our loss as well. This is a sweet and fitting tribute to a brother. Thank you for offering it on his behalf, sir. Respectful regards,

[Harry]

JJ was an inspiration to officers and should be an example to others on how to be a leader. Take care of your people. He will be missed.

[George]

Semper Fi Sergeant J.J. Cernigilia..Your hard work and talents will be missed by all...

[HI-CALIBER Investigations]

Your description of JJ was 100% accurate.

It was a pleasure working for JJ.

HI-CALIBER Investigations

[DK]

J.J. was truly "old school", and I was privileged to work with him at Northeast, if for just a short time. He was smart and funny, and if you paid attention, you learned a lot of things from him that would serve you well, both on the job and in life. Thank you, J.J., for your patience with me when I was new, for the stories you shared, the crossword puzzle clues when I got stuck, and the encouragement you gave me to learn new things - you will be missed.

[Brian Humphrey]

Lt De La Torre and members of the LAPD,

On behalf of the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, please accept our condolences in the loss of Sergeant Cernigilia.

We mention loss, in that his passing leaves a collective void in the lives of both residents and Firefighters in the Northwest area and vastly beyond.

If possible, kindly share word of public vigils or services, so that LAFD members and other concerned members of the community might pay their respects.

Fraternally Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

[Sgt. Frank Banuelos]

Sgt. Cerniglia was the AWC at NE when I passed through as a probationary officer. He was tough, strict, but most of all fair. He challenged me and made me a better person. I passed through their again about a year ago. He was still the same but even more helpful. I will always remember him throughout my career. My condolences go out to his family and the NE family.