Funeral right this moment for Newark Sgt. Joseph Azcona, killed in line of responsibility final week

The funeral for Sgt. Joseph Azcona, a New Jersey police officer shot and killed within the line of responsibility, is being held right this moment in Newark. 

Quite a few streets are closed to accommodate the big crowd of law enforcement officials, household and neighborhood members attending the service on the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Coronary heart. 

Azcona, a five-year member of the Newark Police Division, was shot and killed on March 7 on the nook of Carteret Avenue and Broadway in Newark. The 26-year-old was working with federal legislation enforcement to crack down on stories of unlawful weapons within the space. 

A 14-year-old was charged with murdering Azcona and trying to kill one other officer, the Essex County prosecutor’s workplace stated.

Fallen detective posthumously promoted

Born right into a household of legislation enforcement, Azcona shortly rose by the ranks of the Newark Police Division, changing into a detective after simply three years and likewise a member of the particular intelligence unit. 

“To lose an officer like this so younger, at first of his profession, the valor that he confirmed, and the opposite officers that went that evening, when a 14-year-old has an automated weapon that may shoot these sorts of rounds, this has, I believe, shattered our neighborhood,” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker stated. 

Fellow officers marched Azcona’s casket to the cathedral after a personal prayer at St. Lucy’s Church. He was posthumously promoted from detective to sergeant throughout the funeral service. 

“We do not flee from ache. Joseph did not do this. As a police officer, he got here nose to nose, he touched the injuries, he noticed the struggling that folks can inflict on one another,” stated Cardinal Joseph Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark.  

Gov. Phil Murphy directed flags to be flown at half-staff Friday to commemorate Azcona’s life.

On Wednesday, lots of of individuals turned out for an emotional vigil on the intersection the place the fallen officer was shot.