In Memory of Investigator James Michael Cornacchia

Georgia Loses Investigator to COVID19

The Georgia Institute of Technology came forward to brief residents that one of their officers had died due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, June 1, 2020, Investigator James Michael Cornacchia, age 42, died as a result of complications from contracting COVID19. Over the last year, Americans have lost hundreds of law enforcement officers to the coronavirus pandemic. These men and women are heroes who, knowing their occupation put them at greater risk of contracting the virus, put on their uniforms and badge each day to do their best for others. These men and women are all heroes in their sacrifice.

Investigator Cornacchia had served his community as a law enforcement officer on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus for more than 19 years. He was posthumously promoted to Investigator to honor his sacrifice for others. Officer Cornacchia’s last day of work was on May 12. Under the Georgia Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, tracing was used to determine if other officers had contracted the virus.

After graduating from college with a BA in Criminal Justice, Cornacchia moved to Georgia from the New York area to live with his brother. Once he relocated, Michael Cornacchia knew he’d found a forever home when he met his wife, Christal. He was Cub Master for Pack 66 and Assistant Boy Scout Leader for Troop 66. He was known to be a great mechanic, a fantastic cook, and a great husband and father.

Georgia Institute of Technology Police Department

Cornacchia spent his career with the GTPD. The fully accredited law enforcement agency protects students, visitors, and staff, as well as enforcement of federal, state, and campus regulations. The core values help the officer “Raise the Bar” in policing. “Raise,” as their motto implies, stands for respect, accountability, integrity, service, and excellence.

Officers strive to provide a safe and secure learning and living environment on campus, which is meant to instill confidence in students and staff. Officers work with students on community policing and reducing fear of crime through community outreach. GTPD has fully sworn officers, including K-9 and other units, and has the authority to make arrests if warranted.

Remembrances

Investigator James Michael Cornacchia leaves behind his wife, three sons, parents, and siblings. Students, friends, neighbors, and extended family will be there to support the Cornacchia family during their difficult time. Officers from around the area volunteered to escort Investigator Cornacchia to the funeral home.

Georgia Tech Police Department posted information about the loss of Investigator Cornacchia on Reddit. “On June 1, 2020, Officer James Cornacchia of the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) lost his battle with Covid-19. He served the Georgia Tech community for nearly 20 years and most recently worked as part of our patrol unit. He was a loving father, husband, brother, son, and friend. Officer Cornacchia was a valued member of the Georgia Tech community and will be sorely missed. During this difficult time, we ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”