Newark Detective Dies Of Coronavirus: 'He Loved His City, Family'

NEWARK, NJ — A beloved detective in Newark succumbed to coronavirus complications last weekend, leaving a hole in the hearts of his family and the city he served, officials say.

The family of Irving Callender, 43, announced that the veteran cop died of complications related to COVID-19 on Saturday.

Callender began his law enforcement career as a police officer assigned to the 5th Precinct in March 2006. He also served in the 2nd Precinct’s street crimes unit and in other assignments before joining the mayor’s executive protection unit in 2014.

Callender leaves behind his wife, Melissa N. Callender and two sons, Irving Robert Samuel Callender IV and Camren Mehki Callender. He also served as a father figure to his niece, Kimani Zaniyah Thomas, Newark city officials said.

Mayor Ras Baraka said Callender had an “unwavering commitment to excellence” during the time he was assigned to his office.

“He was a lifelong Newarker who loved his city, loved his family – and gave his life for both,” Baraka said. “The entire city is shaken and all of us will mourn his loss collectively.”

“This is an incredibly sad day for Detective Callender’s family, for the Newark Police Division and for Mayor Baraka’s office,” Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said.

“We have lost a great man and a tremendous colleague,” Ambrose added. “Our hearts are broken.”

As of Friday, Newark had seen 8,492 positive cases of COVID-19, with 661 deaths linked to the disease, according to city health officials.

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