Edward Egan, who had been with the borough police department nearly 20 years, was battling cancer and had heart problems, colleagues said.
A funeral service and visitation is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15.
Egan who previously worked as a state corrections officer, had recently been on light duty, they said. The 51-year-old borough native was also a member of Fire Co. 2.
"Ed was loved by all and had a heart of absolute gold," Fair Lawn PBA President Luis Vazquez said. "He will be missed."
Egan was remembered fondly by friends and loved ones as news of his death spread.
"[Forty] years ago I met one of the happiest people in life," Dave DeLucca said in a Facebook post. "Truly one of the best people, friends and brothers in life."
"He was a great human being and a true brother," said Emerson Councilman Brian Downing, a retired Bergen County sheriff's officer. "The best laugh and always had your back."
Aileen McDonald remembered Egan as "a good man, a funny man, a man now gone too early."
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