Holly MatkinNewark, NJ – Newark Police Department (NPD) Officer Waldemar Arocho died on Jan. 31 due to an illness unrelated to his job, according to his department.
The 42-year-old officer passed away at University Hospital, according to his obituary.
Officer Arocho’s exact cause of death was not released.
He served the NPD for 21 years.
“It’s heartbreaking to lose someone you’ve worked with for over two decades,” said Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, who graduated from the 107th Newark Police Academy Recruit Class with Officer Arocho in 2001.
Director O’Hara said his longtime friend “was proud to wear the patch of the Newark Police,” NJ.com reported.
“We are grateful for every moment we had with Officer Arocho and will forever cherish him as our dear friend and brother,” the director added.
Officer Arocho was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and moved to Newark in 1988, NJ.com reported.
After being sworn in as an NPD officer on Aug. 1, 2001, Officer Arocho spent time serving in the North, West, and Central Wards, where he was a member of the Narcotics Unit.
He was most recently assigned to the South Ward, NJ.com reported.
Two of his brothers are also Newark Department of Safety officers, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.
Officer Arocho leaves behind his children, 22-year-old Nairahiz and 18-year-old Angel, according to NJ.com.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his fellow police officers, according to his obituary.
Officer Arocho was laid to rest Feb. 8.
Mayor Baraka and Public Safety Director O’Hara Announce Passing of Newark Police Officer Waldemar Arocho. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/rwNL2YdQ4v via @Nextdoor pic.twitter.com/WujwlQB9iI
— Dept. Public Safety (@NewarkNJPolice) February 2, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Newark Police Department Officer Waldemar Arocho, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
