Thousands of members of the law enforcement community gathered Friday morning to honor the memory of slain Newark police Detective Joseph Azcona at a somber funeral service in the city.
Gov. Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka joined mourners in a packed Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark for a bilingual Mass in English and Spanish.
Azcona, 26, died Friday evening in a gun battle that also wounded another Newark officer at Broadway and Carteret Street in the city. A 14-year-old has been charged with his murder.
Newark police Detective Joseph Azcona was gunned down Friday night while investigating a person believed to have illegal guns. His body was escorted by police to a funeral home in Newark on Saturday.Amanda Brown | For NJ.com
Azcona was posthumously promoted to sergeant, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel “Manny” Miranda announced during the service as a portrait of Azcona was unveiled.
“We are united in grief, but also in gratitude, grateful for the selfless, service, bravery and unwavering dedication that Sgt. Azcona exhibited throughout his career,“ Newark Police Chief Sharonda Morris, chief of police said.
“Joey stood as a protector of the community, guardian of justice and a symbol of courage,” Morris said. “Every day he worked the streets of Newark with the knowledge that the job carried risk, but still he faced each challenge head on, driven by a commitment to the unwavering safety and well-being of others.”
Azcona’s supervisor in the criminal intelligence unit, Capt. Patricia Rodrigues-Alfieri, became emotional at times when discussing the fallen officer.
“Joey took the oath fully aware of the risk, but he never hesitated to answer that call,” Rodrigues-Alfieri said. “He carried himself with dignity not just with his work but in all aspects of his life.
“He was always well put together, dressed stylishly and let’s be honest, he sported the best mohawk haircut. He was quiet, respectful and so very kind – all amazing qualities that he got from his family.”
Azcona grew up watching police videos and wanting to become a police officer like his uncle Newark police officer, Wayne Vargas, she said.
When his cousin became an officer, Azcona knew it was his calling, Rodrigues-Alfieri said.
