Dedicated Cop, ‘Life-Long Newarker’ Mourned: Waldemar Arocho

NEWARK, NJ — Newark city officials are mourning Waldemar Arocho, a “life-long Newarker” who served on the local police force for more than 20 years.

Arocho died on Jan. 31. He was 42-years-old.

According to city officials:

“Arocho was appointed as a Newark police officer on Aug. 1, 2001. He began his career serving in the North Ward and was assigned to the West Ward in 2004. In 2008, he served in the Central Narcotics Unit before moving to the 3rd Precinct, in the East Ward, in 2010. In 2016, he was assigned to the 2nd Precinct. Officer Arocho’s last assignment was at the 5th Precinct, in the South Ward.”

Newark officials said that Arocho leaves behind a daughter, Nairahiz Vega, 22, and a son, Angel Arocho, 18; parents, Wilfredo and Carmen Arocho; two brothers, Newark Police Detective Wilfredo Arocho and Newark Public Safety Telecommunicator Richard Arocho; a sister-in-law, Sergeant Gloria Caballero; and a host of extended family members, colleagues and friends.

“We extend our most heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of officer Arocho, including his two brothers, who are both members of the Newark Department of Public Safety,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said Arocho was his classmate in the 107th recruit class at the Newark Police Academy when we both joined the department in 2001.

The dedicated officer was “proud to wear the patch,” O’Hara said.

“It’s heartbreaking to lose someone you’ve worked with for over two decades,” O’Hara said. “But we are thankful the city was able to benefit from the distinct service of a proud son of Newark for more than 20 years. And we are grateful for every moment we had with officer Arocho, and will forever cherish him as our dear friend and brother.”

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