A heartbreaking note read at Friday’s funeral for a hero Newark cop revealed his dream to retire with a “happy family and beautiful kids” — while his devastated shot partner said their bond will “last forever.’’
Detective Joseph Azcona, 26 — who was killed when a 14-year-old boy allegedly opened fire on him and his partner during a gun sweep last week — penned a now-particularly poignant missive in 2019 to the local police academy about why he wanted a career in law enforcement.
“So I can help make the community I live in better — I have witnessed a lot of trouble in the area where I grew up,” Azcona wrote at the time. “To help people in the city of Newark, especially those who cannot help themselves.
“In thirty years, I can see myself retired with a happy family and beautiful kids,” the then-budding New Jersey cop added in the letter he wrote in September of that year — and which as read aloud at the packed service.
“The day after I graduate from the police academy will be my best day,” Azcona said.
His surviving police partner, only identified as Manny, was still recovering from his wounds and not at the service at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which drew dignitaries such as Gov. Phil Murphy and local US Sen. Cory Booker — as well as hundreds of police brethren from across the country.
But the shot cops’ boss, police Capt. Patricia Rodriguez-Alfieri fought back teers as she described Azcona as “quiet, respectful and so very kind” — and read aloud a note from Manny on his behalf.
“There is no one else I would’ve wanted in that car with me that night,” Manny wrote of Azcona.
“Over time, it was clear we had a bond that would last forever.
“We became brothers in arms not because we were forced to but because we genuinely enjoyed each others company,” the shattered wounded partner said. “It’s the kind of friendship where you don’t need to say much, but you know what the other one is thinking.
“He had a way of making everything feel a little lighter even in the darkest times.”
The pair was investigating an illegal firearms ring March 7 when the teenager opened fire on them as they sat in a police vehicle near Broadway and Carteret Street — shooting Azcona before he could even get out of the car, authorities have said.
Rodriguez-Alfieri said the fallen detective was inspired to become a cop by his uncle, Newark police Officer Wayne Vargas.
In a touching tribute, Azcona was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
“Rest easy, Sergeant, we have the watch from here,” said an emotional Chief of Police Sharonda Morris.
Azcona’s cousin, Brandon Rivas — who will start at the Newark Police Academy on Wednesday — also was invited to come up to the casket Friday to stand next to an gleaming image of the slain hero cop’s new rank.
