Police say a retired Jersey City officer died in a tragic accident Monday morning.

Police say 53-year-old Robert McGillis was shot while in the Emergency Services Unit of the Jersey City Department of Public Works complex. Police believe the 25-year veteran of the department was cleaning his gun when it went off and fired a bullet into his chest.

McGillis retired in June of 2000. He was rehired in 2006 as a consultant and coordinator for the K-9 unit, which is in the process of being expanded. During his career with the department, McGillis received 20 awards, including five commendations.