The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | October 2021
New Jersey Law Enforcement Leaders Unveil Memorial Honoring Officers Who Died During COVID-19 Pandemic
New Jersey ’ s law enforcement leaders gathered on October 13 th at the Richard J . Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton to unveil the state ’ s first permanent memorial honoring police officers and other law enforcement professionals who died during the COVID-19 pandemic . The memorial honors the twenty-eight law enforcement personnel who passed away from COVID-related complications . The memorial will remain in the ground floor atrium of the Hughes Justice Complex , which houses the Attorney General ’ s Office , the State Public Defender ’ s Office , and the New Jersey Supreme Court .
“ Today and every day , we honor the law enforcement professionals who gave their lives protecting New Jersey residents during this unprecedented crisis ,” said Acting Attorney General Andrew J . Bruck , who presided over the event , along with First Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Davenport . “ We will never forget their service to our State , and this memorial will ensure that future generations do not either .”
“ When this pandemic started , New Jersey ’ s law enforcement , as with all first responders , did not have the option to work from home . Every day they went to their assignments knowing full well that a new and deadly reality was upon us .” said New Jersey State Police Superintendent Pat Callahan . “ Those brave men and women who have sworn an oath to public service , never hesitated and answered that call because there were people who needed their help and they knew they could make a difference . Today is a day of recognition as we commemorate their ultimate sacrifice and commitment to duty , for which we will be forever grateful .”
“ The men and women we remember here today went above and beyond in their acts of bravery during some of the darkest days our world has faced ,” said Chief John Zebrowski , President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police . “ These officers faced a danger never seen before on a scale never imagined . Their courage should never be forgotten .”
During today ’ s ceremony , two of the State ’ s top law enforcement leaders – New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick J . Callahan and Division of Criminal Justice Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell – read the names of those honored by the memorial and were joined at the event by family members of fallen officers .
Those recognized on the memorial are :
Bernard Waddell , Sr . Corporal Hudson Cty . Corrections , End Of Watch ( EOW ): 3 / 20 / 2020
Tolbert Furr Special Police Officer Newark PD , EOW : 4 / 3 / 2020
Nelson Perdomo Correctional Police Officer New Jersey Dept . of Corrections , EOW : 4 / 9 / 2020
Alterek Shaundel Patterson Sergeant Bedminster PD , EOW : 4 / 12 / 2020
Francesco S . Scorpo Police Officer Paterson PD , EOW : 4 / 12 / 2020
Daniel Francis Criminal Intelligence Analyst Newark PD , EOW : 4 / 13 / 2020
Alex Ruperto Detective Union City PD , EOW : 4 / 16 / 2020
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