In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association (PSOA) President Pawel Wojtowicz and Vice President John Friend are offering their condolences for late Newark Police Det. Joseph Azcona, who was gunned down on Friday.
Dear Editor,
On Friday, March 7, 2025, we heard about another officer who was killed in the line of duty—a hero’s life cut short, a family forever changed, and his brothers and sisters in blue left in shock.
Some have, unfortunately, experienced this pain before, and another officer down brings back tragic memories of the past.
A vision of an American flag-draped body of a hero leaving the hospital while his brothers and sisters give a final salute. The sight of his grieving family, reliving the final words they might have shared: “Be safe.”
The heartbreaking realization that they will never hear his voice again. The anguish of leadership, feeling helpless, knowing they failed to bring their officer home safely.
Remembering the last roll call where his supervisor said, “Go out there, be safe, and let’s make sure we back each other up and get home to our families.”
These are the emotions of many leaders in law enforcement, whose number one job is to ensure that their officers return home safely. The feeling of failure in this duty is indescribable.
In the aftermath of this tragic loss, I have watched news reports, and many have asked: How can such a young person commit such a heinous crime?
We in law enforcement have said it time and time again—when weak political leaders vilify our profession and portray the men and women in blue as the enemy, an easily impressionable young person may act on those feelings, executing an officer as if it were nothing more than a scene in a video game.
The politicians who have demonized law enforcement—who have publicly and on social media made it seem as if cops are the enemy—should take a hard look in the mirror today.
Supporting law enforcement should never be a political game.
If a rogue officer acts out, they should be treated as an individual case, not as a reflection of the entire profession.
On behalf of the Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association, we extend our deepest condolences to the Newark Police Department and the family of Det. Joseph Azcona.
Pawel Wojtowicz President
John Friend Vice-President
Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association