The Detective Eric “Jay” Clemente #223 Foundation was established to honor a truly amazing,
exceptional and a one of a kind person. Jason Clemente was a First Class Detective at the
Wayne Police Department where he served for over 21 years. Prior to that, from 1995 to 2003,
he served as a West Caldwell police officer for 8 years. He had a total of 29 years of dedicated
service and truly loved his brothers and sisters in blue. Jason was diagnosed in 2016 with stage
4 pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer and in 2019 was also found to have chronic myelogenous
leukemia. For 7 1⁄2 years, Jay battled cancer like a warrior like no other. He was a man of
extraordinary strength, unwavering courage and boundless love. When diagnosed with cancer,
he responded with an awe-inspiring determination to fight the beast but to also continue to live
his life to the fullest. Jason believed that “Family is Everything” and he was the most dedicated
and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He had an infectious
smile and personality. Everybody knew Jay and loved him and his legacy and spirit will live on
forever.