Newark Law Enforcement Commemorated at 32nd Annual Blue Mass in Memory of Fallen Detective
New Jersey police mourned community heroes at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. At the 32nd Annual Blue Mass, the Archdiocese of Newark honored Newark Police Department detective Joseph Azcona, who died in the line of duty earlier this year.
Newark neighborhood patrolman Detective Azcona, posthumously promoted to sergeant, was shot and killed in March. Officials say a toddler attacked him while responding to gunfire complaints. National tragedy of his death touched law enforcement and Newark people. The Mass honored him and highlighted urban police threats.
Cardinal Archbishop of Newark Joseph W. Tobin led the event, inviting guests to consider law enforcement’s peace and public safety missions. He asked police, families, and community members to work together and avoid divisive remarks. He spoke on commemorating departed heroes and upholding their principles.
The ceremony featured federal, state, county, and local honor guards. Service was ceremonial with bagpipes and drums. Police who died naturally and tragically were recognized. The memorial showed how officers die on the job.
Senior government officials, law enforcement union members, multijurisdictional officers, and victims’ families attended. Celebrations were uncommon opportunities for officers to acknowledge colleagues and revive departmental collaboration. The event celebrated a dangerous, responsible, and trusted career.
Detective Azcona’s March death shocked Newark and beyond. Detective Azcona was shot and died while investigating illegal gun activity with a comrade. The case was transferred to federal court due to its gravity and focus on law enforcement punishment. His young age, swift elevation, and community involvement made his death heartbreaking for Newark Police and the city.
The Blue Mass remembers dead police and enables current and retired cops assess their job. A former officer said Mass honors the deceased and thanks active officers.
The 32nd Annual Blue Mass highlighted police enforcement’s community importance. The Archdiocese honored Detective Azcona and others who died to remind us that public safety demands dignity, respect, uniforms, and strategy. The event reminded Newark and New Jersey of the service’s cost and our duty to warn.
Sources
Archdiocese of Newark announcement for Blue Mass 2025
NJSPBA event notice for the 32nd Annual Blue Mass 2025
CBS News coverage of Sergeant Joseph Azcona’s funeral
