Police, borough back Madison officer battling colon cancer

MADISON A long-tenured Madison Police Captain with deep community ties is battling an aggressive form of cancer, but has the support of his fellow officers and the borough, who have contributed thousands of dollars to help him in his fight.

Capt. Joseph Cirella, a Madison Police Officer for 26 years, was diagnosed Sept. 1 with aggressive, stage-four colon cancer that had spread to his liver.

“At the time when I went to the doctor, my biggest concern was work the next day,” Cirella said. “The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind.”

Cirella completed his first round of chemotherapy last week and will undergo the second later this month.

To help him and his family on his road to recovery, the Madison Police Department and the Madison PBA Local 92 have started a GoFundMe account.

“When I heard about what they did for me, I couldn’t believe it,” Cirella said. “I can’t fathom the support I’ve gotten.”

More than $16,000 has been raised through the website since the fundraiser launched Tuesday.

“I just want to offer my sincerest gratitude to everyone on behalf of my friends and family. This is making a major difference,” Cirella said. “I’ve got the support of the police department, the Chief, the community. They’ve given me more than I could ever ask for.”

Madison Chief Darren Dachisen said the entire department will join Cirella as he battles the disease.

“Joe is one of our most dedicated officers that has served Madison for over 25 years,” Dachisen said. “I am proud to call him my friend and we as a department will fight this battle together alongside our brother.”

Cirella is confident he will be back at work in the near future.

“The fight has just begun,” Cirella said. “But I’m a bull and this will be in the past soon enough.”

Cirella was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain at a ceremony Thursday morning, and will have a formal public swearing-in at the next Madison council meeting, Dachisen said.

Go to http://www.gofundme.com/d8449ejs to support Cirella and his family.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com