Essex County Dedicates Plaza to Slain Officer, Soldier

Calling fallen Essex County Sheriff's officer Jorge Oliveria an "American hero," County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. dedicated a plaza Tuesday in memory of the slain soldier who died in Afghanistan last month.

"He was proud to serve his community and his country. His death is a tragedy and has affected us deeply because he was dedicated to his family and his job," DiVincenzo said. "This park was created to remember and recognize those who have fought for and represented our country."

Among the more than 200 in attendance at the Essex County Veterans Memorial Plaza for the dedication was Oliveira's younger brother, Marco.

"My brother touched and influenced other people's lives by how he lived his," said Marco Oliveira. "He is a hero because he put himself in harm’s way for a bigger purpose. It's important to remember that our soldiers and law enforcement officers go to work every day ready to give their lives to protect ours."

Oliveira, who lived in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood, was killed Oct. 19 when insurgents detonated an improvised explosive device, according to officials. He was on his third tour of duty with the New Jersey Army National Guard when he was attacked, according to Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Daugherty, a spokesman for the state's National Guard.

Kevin Lynch, a spokesman with the sheriff's office, said Oliveira was a detective assigned to the fugitive squad at the time of his death.

At the plaza is a large rock with a black and gold seal embedded into the stone. It reads, "Jorge Oliveira, 1978-2011. Detective sergeant, Essex County Sheriff. Staff Sergeant, NJ Army National Guard, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry. KIA Paktika Province, Afghanistan - via IED. 'In death a hero, in life a friend.' Alexander Pope."

— Staff reports