In Memory of Detective Marcus Thomas
Newark, New Jersey Loses 6th Officer to COVID19
On September 28, 2020, the city of Newark, New Jersey, lost its sixth police officer to the coronavirus. Detective Marcus Thomas, age 50, passed away from complications of COVID19. He had spent 27 years serving his community as a Newark Police Officer.
Detective Thomas started serving with the Newark Police Department in 1993. Over his many years, his duties included central communications, the Safe City Task Force, neighborhood enforcement, and the Office of Professional Standards. He was known to be ‘happy-go-lucky’ and filled other’s lives with smiles. Words repeated by many, he was “A good man and friend to all.” Thomas was known for his pride in the community.
Newark Police Department
Detective Thomas gave his career and his life to service with the Newark Police Department. The NPD is the largest law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey. With close to 1200 sworn officers, the agency is a full-service police department.
Patrol agents with the department provide protection and assistance to more than 29 square miles and 282,000 residents. The department has a long history, initiated in 1681 when two men were hired to be the town’s night watchmen. Over history, the number of guards grew until 1857, when the Newark Police Department was established.
Too Many Lives Lost
The pandemic has cost too many lives and created too much loss for families to bear. Detective Marcus Thomas will be remembered by his family, friends, neighbors, and other law enforcement officers as a hero. Detective Thomas gave his all, including his life, to continue providing services to Newark’s people. Officers from around the area came forward to escort Thomas from the funeral home. The community will remember his positive impact and help his family through their grief.
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka gave a brief statement regarding his condolences to the family. “Sadly, the City of Newark has lost a truly good man who was a friend and a brother to all. Detective Thomas dedicated his life to public service and to honorably serving with an impeccable character of personal and professional dignity. Our deepest condolences are offered to Detective Thomas’ family. We share in your grief and mourning.”
Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose commented on the loss of Detective Thomas. “Detective Thomas served the City of Newark for 27-years and took exceptional pride in his work from early on as a patrolman, up to his last assignment in the Office of Professional Standards. He was always happy-go-lucky and greeted everyone with a smile. He touched each of our lives, and we will miss him dearly. He will be sorely missed.”
The Daily Voice posted the loss on their social media pages. “The Newark Police Department is mourning the loss of detective Marcus Thomas who died of COVID-19 complications Monday, marking the sixth member of the Newark Police Division to lose their battle with the virus. #DailyVoice #EssexCounty.”
