Community honors Newark police detective killed in shooting with balloon release
A balloon release took place at Carteret Street and Broadway, where Detective Joseph Azcona was killed.
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A balloon release ceremony was held on Wednesday to honor the life of Detective Joseph Azcona, who was killed in the line of duty last Friday.
He was remembered on Broadway and Carteret Street, where the shooting took place. During the event, hundreds of balloons were released in memory of the 26-year-old.
"It's a difficult moment because this is not something that we deal with all the time," said Capt. Gerardo Rodriguez, with the Newark Police Department.
"This hurts me because the same way that it happened to him, it could have happened to my husband, especially when you come home and you have a family," said Iris Rodriguez, whose husband is a retired officer.
Fellow officers say Azcona was one of the most dedicated officers they knew, who quickly rose to his role as a detective within the intel unit.
"Those guys deal with the most dangerous criminals within our city," said Sgt. Heriberto Figueroa. "His crew, there's not many out there like them and those guys they're hurting today too."
A 14-year-old is facing murder charges in Azcona's death and attempted murder charges for injuring another police officer in the shooting.
"We need to stop the crime out here. It's not fair for a 14-year-old to have a gun out here. It's not fair at all," said Iris Rodriguez.
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Azcona’s funeral will be held Friday at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. A wake will be held on Thursday.
City officials announced the following street closures ahead of the services.
Beginning 2 p.m., Thursday, March 13 to 9 a.m., Friday, March 14
Lafayette Street between Pulaski Street and Wilson Avenue
Beginning 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, March 14
Clifton Avenue between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Mt. Prospect Avenue between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Garside Street between Park Avenue and Victoria Street
Cutler Street between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Stone Street between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
Beginning 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Friday, March 14
Clifton Avenue between 7th Avenue and Orange Street
7th Avenue between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Clifton Avenue
Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and plan alternate routes.
