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Jamie Atkinson, a treasured figure in community service, law enforcement, and emergency response, passed away on June 27 at age 43 after battling a rare cancer tied to his response at the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
At just 16, Atkinson began volunteering with the Community Ambulance Company in Sayville. Over nearly 30 years, he served in every capacity of leadership — from captain in 2006 and assistant chief in 2008–09, to chief of operations in 2010. He later served as president, vice president and board member of Community Ambulance, which is the third-busiest EMS agency in Suffolk County.
Under his direction, Sayville became the first Long Island community to deploy a town-wide public-access AED program. He also introduced the first nasal Narcan protocol to better tackle the opioid epidemic, and established Suffolk County’s first EMS controlled-substance program.
Law enforcement excellence
After graduating from the NYPD Police Academy and obtaining Connecticut State Police certification, Atkinson served with the MTA Police Department. As a Detective, he investigated more than 100 death cases, high-profile hate-crime and fraud cases, and public corruption.
Atkinson earned a plethora of impressive distinctions — most notably MTA Police Officer of the Year, Nassau County Police Commissioners Detective of the Year, LIRR President’s Award and Investigator of the Year for the International Financial Crime Investigators Association.
9/11 service
At 19, Atkinson was among the youngest responders at Ground Zero. Inhalation of toxic debris during search-and-rescue operations led to a rare form of cancer —diagnosed years later and officially linked to his 9/11 service.
In 2019, Suffolk County appointed Atkinson as deputy coordinator for emergency services. He was instrumental in the county’s COVID‑19 “think tank” within the Emergency Operations Center and continued to lead responses to complex emergencies.
He also served on multiple county boards: Child Fatality Review, Citizens Corps Council, Regional EMS Council and the Sheriff’s Advisory Board. Appointed by Congressman Andrew Garbarino, he participated in nominating candidates for U.S. service academies.
Community advocate and mentor
My dear friend Jamie Atkinson has lost his years-long battle with 9/11-related cancer. As a 19-year-old Community Ambulance Company volunteer and MTA Police Officer, Jamie spent weeks at Ground Zero clearing the pile. In the years since, he dedicated his life to serving his… pic.twitter.com/6fXHzOl3C7
— Rep. Andrew Garbarino (@RepGarbarino) June 27, 2025
Atkinson’s career included numerous community initiatives: prom-night safe rides, bicycle helmet drives and scholarships for youth, including support for the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation He served on the board of trustees at the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navel Seal Museum in West Sayville.
“Jamie spent weeks at Ground Zero clearing the pile,” Garbarino said of Atkinson in an X post, remembering the retired MTA cop’s dedication to helping others. “In the years since, he dedicated his life to serving his community … He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
Services and memorial
- Visitation: Tuesday, July 1, 3–8 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home, 245 Montauk Hightway in West Sayville.
- Funeral Mass: Wednesday, July 2 (time TBD) at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 240 W. Main St. in Sayville.
Atkinson is survived by four brothers, John (and his wife Jen0, Brian (and his wife Hope), Daren, and Michael (and his wife Meredith); two nephews Hunter and Greyson; and four nieces, Emily, Julia, Reese and Maeve.
In lieu of flowers, Atkinson’s family is asking that donations go to the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Top photo: Jamie Atkinson, Sayville EMS chief and MTA Police Detective, during a community event (Facebook, 2023).
