Oldest St. Patrick's Day Parade in N.J. Moved over Death of Police Officer
By Rob Jennings
Source nj.com
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- A 14-year-old has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing Newark Police Det. Joseph Azcona and critically wounding another officer as they were investigating illegal gun activity.
New Jersey’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade has been postponed for a week out of respect for slain Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona, local officials said.
The 90th Newark St. Patrick’s Day parade was originally scheduled for Friday, the same day as Azcona’s funeral in Newark.
Organizers announced Monday the parade will instead be held the following Friday, March 21, at 1 p.m.
“The Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Detective Joseph Azcona, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty last week. To all public servants who dedicate their lives to the safety and well-being of our city, especially our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, we offer our deepest sympathies during this time of profound loss,” parade officials said in an announcement posted to Facebook.
It noted that over the decades, the parade “has been proudly led by many of Newark’s finest.”
“We are deeply grateful for the men and women who serve and protect our community daily,” parade officials said.
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Azcona’s funeral is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The parade was to have started at 1 p.m.
The St. Patrick’s Mass, held in conjunction with the parade, was also postponed to March 21 at 10 a.m. It will be held at St. Patrick’s Pro- Cathedral on Washington Street.
Azcona died Friday evening in a gun battle that also wounded another Newark officer at Broadway and Carteret Street in the city. He was 26 and served as a Newark officer for five years.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with both Azcona’s murder and attempting to kill the other unnamed officer.
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