FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 13, 2025

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Fly Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 384 ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff in recognition and mourning of Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona, who was fatally shot in the line of duty. Detective Azcona was just 26 years old at the time of his tragic passing.

“Our hearts are broken by the tragic and senseless murder of Detective Joseph Azcona,” said Governor Murphy. “By all accounts, Detective Azcona was a hero. From a young age, he knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his family members who devoted their own lives to public service. And that is exactly what he did by becoming a Newark Police Officer and working every day to give back to his beloved city. Tammy and I grieve alongside all of Detective Azcona’s family members, friends, and his fellow members of the Newark Police Department. We are forever grateful for his service.”

“It is fitting that flags throughout our state be lowered to half-staff as a sign of our mourning and our reverence for the sacrifice of Newark Detective Joseph Azcona. Our city is grateful to Governor Murphy for honoring this fallen hero in such a prominent and distinguished manner,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “May all who see this solemn display be reminded of our dependence on each other and redouble our commitment to acts of kindness and the protection of all.”

“On behalf of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the entire Newark Department of Public Safety, we thank Governor Murphy for this outstanding honor of our fallen hero, Newark Police Detective Joseph A. Azcona,” said Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. “We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from Governor Murphy’s Office and from all New Jersey agencies who have extended their earnest condolences and innumerable gestures of kindness to us. This statewide acknowledgement of the magnitude of this line of duty loss will bring comfort and strength to the Azcona family, to the people of Newark, and to every member of the Newark Police Division.”

“This tremendous recognition by Governor Murphy to ensure that every department, agency, and institution statewide stands with us as we grapple with this devastating loss shows that the State of New Jersey holds its law enforcement officers in the highest regard of honor and respect,” said Newark Police Chief Sharonda Morris. “While our hearts are forever broken due to the loss of Detective Joseph Azcona, who was a brilliant, rising star within the Newark Police Division, our grief is made lighter by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order, reflecting the unity and compassion of New Jerseyans even in the face of unthinkable tragedy.”

For a copy of Executive Order No. 384, click here.