Submitted on behalf of Terri Stewart, Director for Public Safety and Emergency Management
It is with great sadness that I pass along the news to the Ithaca College community of the death of Master Patrol Officer Jay VanVolkinburg of the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management. Jay passed away unexpectedly as the result of a heart attack early Wednesday evening while off duty.
Jay has been with Ithaca College since March of 2011 and was a longtime member of the local law enforcement community. He served for over 20 years with the Ithaca Police Department, and upon his retirement in 2010 he began working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room at Cayuga Medical Center and Cortland Regional Medical Center.
Jay was hired as a patrol officer for IC Public Safety, and this past March he was promoted to Master Patrol Officer. His responsibilities included serving as a Field Training Officer, assisting with the development of newly hired officers. He was honored with both the Frank G. Hammer Kiwanis Officer of the Month Award and American Red Cross of Tompkins and Cortland County Real Heroes Award for his life-saving efforts in responding to a student who had overdosed on prescription medication.
I know I can speak for the entire campus community in extending our heartfelt prayers and best wishes at this difficult time to Jay’s family, friends, and colleagues. Jay will certainly be missed by his Public Safety family.
Calling hours will be held Monday August 26, 2013 from 5 to 8 pm at Ness Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St, Trumansburg, NY 14886. A Mass of The Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 11 am at Saint James Catholic Church, 17 Whig St, Trumansburg, NY 14886.
On behalf of the Public Safety team, we thank you for your incredible outpouring of support.
Terri Stewart
Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20130822161436142