Newark Cop Is City’s 7th To Die Of COVID: ‘Always Had Kind Word’

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark police officer that “always had a kind word on his lips” has passed away from complications related to the coronavirus, his family says.

Hector Moya, 55, died on Wednesday. He’s the seventh Newark police officer to succumb to COVID-19, city officials said.

Moya joined the Newark Police Division in March 1998. His assignments included the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Auto Crimes Division, Special Victims Division and patrol within the 2nd, 4th and 5th Precincts.

“The City of Newark deeply grieves the loss of this beloved 22-year police veteran,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“Officer Moya served our communities with honor, distinction and excellence,” Baraka added. “We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Officer Moya’s family.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of the seventh Newark police officer to COVID-19,” Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said. “Officer Moya was a highly respected member of the Newark Police Division. He always had a kind word on his lips and a bright smile on his face. He fought a valiant fight against this virus and will be sorely missed.”

• See related article: Veteran Newark Police Officer Dies Of Coronavirus
• See related article: Newark Detective Dies Of Coronavirus: 'He Loved His City, Family'
• See related article: Coronavirus Claims Life Of 'Happy-Go-Lucky' Newark Cop

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