New Jersey Police Officer Known as 'Unofficial Mayor' of Town He Patrolled Dies After 'Long and Valiant' Battle Against COVID-19
By Chris Franklin
Source NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.
GLEN RIDGE, New Jersey -- Glen Ridge police officer Charles “Rob” Roberts, a cop so popular in town that people called him “Mr. Glen Ridge” or the “unofficial mayor,” died Monday from the coronavirus. He was 45.
Word spread online of his passing, after being confirmed by several police organizations.
“And another hero is lost today. It is with profound sadness that we must report that ... Charles “Rob” Roberts has lost his long and valiant battle against COVID-19. Please keep Rob, his family and the Glen Ridge Police in your thoughts and prayers,” the New Jersey State PBA posted on Facebook.
Roberts, a married father of three and sports coach, was taken from his home to Mountainside Hospital on April 21 after his fellow officers and an EMS squad performed life-saving measures after police said his heart stopped while battling the virus.
The next day, police and first responders held a vigil outside of the hospital.
Roberts’ caught the attention of professional athletes, and some, including New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, recorded messages of support, which Glen Ridge police posted on their Facebook page.
“I know you’re going through a tough time right now but keep fighting and staying strong,” Barkley said in his video.
“He isn’t just a police officer to people,” PBA Local 58 President and police officer Joe Uliano previously told NJ Advance Media. “Everybody knows him. He’s lived in Glen Ridge the entire time he’s worked here. He truly is Mr. Glen Ridge, he’s the unofficial mayor.”
“The NJIT PD is truly saddened by the passing of neighboring Glen Ridge PD Officer Charles “Rob” Roberts,” the New Jersey Institute of Technology Police Department wrote in an Instagram post. “Please keep Rob’s family, friends and the Glen Ridge PD in your thoughts and prayers during this unthinkable time.”
Roberts had been with the department since 2000.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at [email protected].
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