Coronavirus Claims Life Of ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’ Newark Detective

NEWARK, NJ — The city of Newark bid a tearful farewell to a local detective who died of coronavirus complications earlier this week.

The veteran officer, Marcus Thomas, 50, whom a colleague described as “happy-go-lucky,” is the sixth member of the Newark Police Department to pass away from the disease since the pandemic began, authorities said.

Thomas joined the force in 1993, tackling assignments such as central communications, the Safe City Task Force, neighborhood enforcement and the Office of Professional Standards over his 27-year career.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said that Thomas “took exceptional pride” in his work from his very first day on the job.

“He was always happy-go-lucky and greeted everyone with a smile,” Ambrose said. “He touched each of our lives and we will miss him dearly.”

Mayor Ras Baraka also offered words of condolence to the late detective’s family.

“Sadly, the City of Newark has lost a truly good man who was a friend and a brother to all,” Baraka said. “Detective Thomas dedicated his life to public service and to honorably serving with an impeccable character of personal and professional dignity … We share in your grief and mourning.”

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