The Dedham Police Department is actively organizing the upcoming "No Quig Deal Four on the 4th", a new 4‑mile road race launching on July 4, 2027. The race honors Sgt. James “Quigs” Quigley, whose dedication to service, perseverance, and community spirit continue to resonate throughout Dedham.
At the August 20 public Select Board meeting, Detective Deborah L. Gonski and Meghan Jenkins presented an overview of the event plans, including the race route, purpose, and fundraising goals. The road race will start and end at Fairbanks Park and will primarily use residential streets to minimize traffic disruptions as much as possible.
Det. Gonski and Officer Jenkins have been in touch with local businesses and organizations, including Marathon Sports, for race support, such as logistics and race management. Marathon Sports has offered to support this race with online registrations, race timing, start/finish lines, and bib pick-ups.
Proceeds from the race will support Sgt. Quigley’s family. After the race, participants can enjoy food/beverage trucks and raffle opportunities to remember and celebrate "Quigs".
Select Board voted to approve the road race, and expressed support for this event with thanks to Detective Gonski and Officer Jenkins for helping to organize this race.
More Information Coming - Stay Tuned!
The Police Department is still in the early stages of planning this race and will share more details soon, including a race website for registration and event information, stay tuned!
About Sgt. Quigley, written by his wife Kate
James Quigley was dubbed “Jimi America” by his close friends for his love of country and community. Quigley loved repping red, white, and blue and fully embodying the moniker “Jimi America” long before he became a Dedham Police Sergeant.
Sgt. Quigley running with his daughter Maeve
Quigley was first diagnosed in the Fall of 2011 with malignant pheochromocytoma (adrenal cancer). It was discovered that a primary tumor in his abdomen had metastasized to both of his lungs and wrapped around his vena cava vein, causing epinephrine markers to be 356 times what they should be. His first surgery removed the softball sized tumor, his left adrenal gland, the encapsulation of his left kidney, and portion wrapped around the vein. He spent a year learning to live with significantly reduced adrenal hormones. In late 2012, he had 30 pieces of impacted lung tissue removed. It was after that surgery that Quigley committed to running. When he first woke up from the double thoracotomy the burn to breathe was so intense that he said no amount of running would ever compare to that pain.
In 2014, after many logged training miles he completed his first half marathon down in Hyannis with his good friend and former Dedham resident, Jason McKenna. The two named themselves the Clydesdale Running Club. In 2015, on Marathon Monday (April 25th) Quigley underwent a third surgery, another thoracic resection of one lung to target tumors that had potential to impact his aortic artery. By June, he was out running the streets of Hyde Park to prepare for his Police Academy start in the Fall of 2015. Despite significant physical setbacks, Quigley pushed himself to pass all physical requirements to start the academy and went on to graduate at the top of his class academically.
In 2018, Quigley was back to running half marathon miles and signed up for the Run to Remember, a tribute to fallen first responders. He ran alongside his Aunt Paula, and proudly finished the race with his then 4-year old daughter, Maeve hand in hand. He continued running until 2021 when it was discovered that a significant tumor burden had regrown and he faced further physical setbacks. Yet, after every treatment that gave him a little bit more life back, he would start his dedicated walking around the neighborhood and try short jogs. He was always trying to push himself to get back out on the road.
Quigley focused on running to be as healthy as possible, to prove to himself he could keep fighting and to keep moving forward.
