From the desk of the Newark Public Safety Department
NEWARK – Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara regretfully announced the passing of Newark Police Officer Waldemar Arocho, 42, who passed away on January 31, 2022.
“We extend our most heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Officer Arocho, including his two brothers, who are both members of the Newark Department of Safety,” Mayor Baraka said. “Our earnest prayers are also offered on behalf of the longstanding colleagues of Officer Arocho, a life-long Newarker, who served our residents for over 20 years.”
“Officer Arocho was my classmate in the 107th Recruit Class at the Newark Police Academy when we both joined the Department in 2001, and he was proud to wear the patch of the Newark Police,” Director O’Hara said. “It’s heartbreaking to lose someone you’ve worked with for over two decades. But we are thankful the City was able to benefit from the distinct service of a proud son of Newark for over more than 20 years. And we are grateful for every moment we had with Officer Arocho and will forever cherish him as our dear friend and brother.”
Arocho was appointed as a Newark Police Officer in on August 1, 2001. He began his career serving in the North Ward and was assigned to the West Ward in 2004. In 2008, he served in the Central Narcotics Unit before moving to the 3rd Precinct, in the East Ward, in 2010. In 2016, he was assigned to the 2nd Precinct. Officer Arocho’s last assignment was at the 5th Precinct, in the South Ward.
He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Nairahiz Vega, 22, and a son, Angel Arocho, 18; parents, Wilfredo and Carmen Arocho; two brothers, Newark Police Detective Wilfredo Arocho and Newark Public Safety Telecommunicator Richard Arocho; a sister-in-law, Sergeant Gloria Caballero; and a host of extended family members, colleagues and friends.