N.J. police officer dies of medical issue while on duty

A Springfield Police Department officer died Monday from a medical episode he suffered on duty earlier in the month, officials said.
Officer John Patrick was a 17-year member of the force and passionate investigator, Police Chief John Cook said in an announcement. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, and a grieving police community.
Cook did not elaborate on the medical issue Patrick suffered on Oct. 6.
After working patrol, Patrick worked as a detective from 2018 to 2021. He investigated cybercrime and fraud and for a time was attached to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office High-Tech Crimes Unit.
“Although John’s true passion was investigative work, he was always willing to take on new challenges and help out any way he could,” Cook said. Patrick taught other officers police tactics and was also one of the newest members of Springfield’s ARRIVE team.
The police department posthumously promoted Patrick to the rank of detective.
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Kevin Shea may be reached at [email protected]