Holly MatkinBelleville, NJ – Newark Police Department (NPD) Officer Ricardo Barbosa died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Oct. 28.
Belleville Police Department (BPD) officers responded to a residence on Bell Street near White Oak Terrace shortly before 11:30 p.m. and found the 29-year-old officer suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Daily Voice.
The officers conducted CPR on Officer Barbosa, but he was pronounced dead a short while later.
The Portuguese American Police Association of New Jersey confirmed Officer Barbosa’s death in a Facebook post the following day.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Brother, Police Officer Ricardo Barbosa,” the police association said. “What can you say about an overall great guy whose love for his community showed in his actions everyday. He will surely be missed by his friends and family. RIP Brother.”
Officer Barbosa joined the NPD on July 5, 2016, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of his death.
He was described as having been a “pillar” of the Ironbound community.
“He will be remembered as the officer who would give you the shirt off his back and do it with the biggest smile,” the fundraising page read.
Former NPD Lieutenant Louis Forst said he was deeply saddened to hear of Officer Barbosa’s death.
“I remember him from the Passaic County Police Academy in 2016, as well as when I was a lieutenant in the Community Focus Division at NPD,” the retired lieutenant told RLS Media. “He was compassionate, considerate and caring, both of his fellow officers and in the community. His smile was infectious and his professionalism shone just as bright.”
Officer Barbosa leaves behind his wife and his family, according to the fundraising page.
September 20, 2018: Community Service Officer Ricardo Barbosa, of the 3rd Precinct, offered a Newark resident dinner. To the resident’s surprise, Barbosa provided a meal for the resident’s entire family. pic.twitter.com/67VA6xRCLx
— Dept. Public Safety (@NewarkNJPolice) September 21, 2018
Newark Police 3rd Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Joao Carvalho alongside Community Service Officer Jose Tavares and School Resource Officer Ricardo Barbosa attended the East Ward Tree Lighting Ceremony at Ferry Street and Wilson Avenue #newarknj #publicsafety #police #cops pic.twitter.com/9WooADn9Iw
— Dept. Public Safety (@NewarkNJPolice) December 2, 2021
Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Please make sure to always tell your loved ones and the ones you care about that you love them. Because you never know if it'll be the last chance you get.
Fallen Officer Ricardo Barbosa and his Family https://t.co/vHUHTrphHI
— T⎊ny Stark boo boo boo boo boo boo 👻 (@DrewMartinphoto) October 31, 2022
This morning we had the honor of working with Third Precinct Captain, Anthony Costa, Detective Michael Silva, and Community Service Officer, Ricardo Barbosa to deliver backpacks and school supplies to some amazing students in Newark's East Ward. #WeAreNewark #NewarkPublicSchools pic.twitter.com/pZHFhQxaAv
— Chris Bernardo (@cfbernardo) August 30, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Newark Police Department Officer Ricardo Barbosa, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
