NJ Flags At Half-Staff On Friday For Slain Newark Police Officer

NEWARK, NJ — Flags will fly at half-staff in New Jersey on Friday to honor Joseph Azcona, a Newark police officer who was killed in the line of duty during a shootout.

A 14-year-old suspect has been accused of shooting two officers last week in Newark. Azcona was killed, and the other officer was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The teen gunman was also wounded and hospitalized, authorities said.

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Azcona was only 26-years-old. The five-year veteran of the NPD served with a police intelligence unit and had been a detective for the last two years. He is survived by his parents and five brothers.

A funeral is scheduled to take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, 89 Ridge Street in Newark.

Gov. Phil Murphy has signed an executive order that requires U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff in recognition and mourning of Azcona on the day of his funeral.

“By all accounts, Detective Azcona was a hero,” Murphy said.

“From a young age, he knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his family members who devoted their own lives to public service,” Murphy continued. “And that is exactly what he did by becoming a Newark police officer and working every day to give back to his beloved city.”

“We are forever grateful for his service,” the governor added.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the executive order is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice Azcona made for his city.

“May all who see this solemn display be reminded of our dependence on each other and redouble our commitment to acts of kindness and the protection of all,” Baraka said.

“While our hearts are forever broken due to the loss of Detective Joseph Azcona – who was a brilliant, rising star within the Newark Police Division – our grief is made lighter by Gov. Murphy’s executive order, reflecting the unity and compassion of New Jerseyans even in the face of unthinkable tragedy,” Newark Police Chief Sharonda Morris said.

The full text of the governor’s executive order follows below:

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