Holly MatkinPerth Amboy, NJ – Perth Amboy Police Department (PAPD) Senior Officer Arcadio “Archie” Rivera died on April 28 after suffering a medical emergency that caused him to crash his vehicle, according to the mayor’s office.
The 54-year-old off-duty officer was traveling in the 300-block of Harbortown Boulevard in his personal vehicle when the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m., News 12 New Jersey reported.
Officer Rivera lost control of his vehicle when the medical emergency struck and crashed into multiple parked vehicles, according to the news outlet.
“Fellow officers responded to the crash scene along with the Perth Amboy Fire Department and EMS units from Hackensack Meridian Hospital [and] immediately began life saving measures,” Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba said in a press release.
Officer Rivera was out of breath and went into cardiac arrest after being removed from his vehicle, Caba said.
He was rushed to Raritan Bay Medical Center, but medical personnel were unable to revive him.
“On behalf of all the Perth Amboy Police Family, it is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of PO Arcadio Rivera, Jr.,” Perth Amboy Police Chief Roman McKeon said in a Facebook post on April 29.
Officer Rivera, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served PAPD for 26 years.
“Officer Rivera was a shining example of what policing can be if approached the right way,” Chief McKeon said. “His beloved community always came first. A bright smile, a helping hand, going out of his way to find help for those in need, and staying after work on his own time to sit with a distraught family providing comfort were all things ‘Archie,’ as he was affectionately known, would do on a daily basis without a second thought.”
Officer Rivera was always willing to provide guidance and advice to younger officers, and was known for his “loyal friendship” and professionalism, the chief said.
“He simply put others first, and even when he was having a bad day, you would never have known it,” Chief McKeon wrote. “The City of Perth Amboy lost a faithful servant, and while we mourn our loss, we celebrate his legacy. Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers.”
Officer Rivera leaves behind his three sons, as well as his parents, siblings, and his former wife, according to his obituary.
He was laid to rest on Thursday.
Middlesex County Police and Fire Pipes and Drums extends our condolences to the Perth Amboy Police Department, the City of Perth Amboy and Officer Rivera's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/o8rpnA8sgp
— Jeff Burrell Fishing (@BassDudeJBF) May 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Perth Amboy Police Department Senior Officer Arcadio “Archie” Rivera, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
