The Newark Police Department is honoring officers lost to COVID-19 in a very special and public way.

In 164 years of service to the residents of Newark, COVID-19 was the only foe capable of taking the lives of six police officers in the same year. They'll forever be remembered, for all to see, by End of Watch emblems on the side of six police vehicles.

"This past year has been devastating to the Newark Police Department, losing six active police officers. It's unprecedented," said Newark FOP President James Stewart.

"These officers who died of COVID, I knew each and every one of them. They were active members coming to work and then got COVID," said Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

"It shows the sacrifice that we make. We put our lives on the line every day, and this is part of it, coming out during COVID, during the pandemic, and still giving service to the community," said Newark Police Chief Lee Douglas.

Detective Brian McAdams, Detective Marcus Thomas, Detective Irving Callender, Officer Michael Connors, Officer Hector Moya and Sgt. Michael Clegg all lost their lives to the virus. They will be remembered each time a fellow officer gets behind the wheel.

"We appreciate this from the department. I hope the public appreciates what the city is doing and it's a comforting thing for the families to know, truly, their love ones aren't forgotten," Stewart said.

Before COVID-19, Ambrose and former Police Chief Darnell Henry wanted to honor the 55 Newark officers who died in the line of duty, which will also be happening.

The names of the officers lost dating back to the 1800s will be on the End of Watch Emblems. Those lost from coronavirus have a rose on their emblems.