Daring Feats Of ‘Valor’ From Newark Cops, Firefighters Earn Solemn Respect From Peers

NEWARK, NJ — Several local firefighters and police officers – including one who died in the line of duty – are being honored for their bravery and community service in Newark.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police recently announced that the late Sgt. Joseph Azcona, as well as Det. Emmanuel Hayford Jr., have been nominated for the NJSACOP Valor Award.

The NJSACOP established its Valor Award in 2000 to recognize New Jersey police officers and private citizens who demonstrate “exceptional heroism” and commitment to their profession, their law enforcement agency and the public.

According to the group, here’s why Azcona and Hayford were nominated:

“The officers were part of a task force attempting to arrest a gunman wanted for two prior shootings. Upon encountering the suspect near Broadway and Carteret Street, the individual pulled out a handgun and opened fire.Sgt. Azcona was shot in the head during the exchange. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his arms and torso, Det. Hayford continued to advance, returning fire and wounding the suspect. Both officers were rushed to University Hospital in Newark, where Sgt. Azcona died.The suspect was arrested at the scene, and the handgun was recovered. Det. Hayford underwent several emergency surgeries. Following a months-long recovery, he returned to active duty and rejoined the task force.”

TWO HUNDRED CLUB AWARDS

The Two Hundred Club of Essex County also commended Azcona and Hayford – along with several other first responders in Newark – as part of its 2026 “Valor Awards” luncheon.

The annual event honors law enforcement officers and firefighters whose actions “reflect extraordinary bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting others in moments of crisis.”

Held earlier this spring, the award ceremony recognized 40 law enforcement officers, firefighters and first responders for incidents that took place last year.

The luncheon included a posthumous recognition of Azcona, whose family accepted the Valor Award on his behalf following his tragic line-of-duty death in March 2025.

As Azcona’s name was read aloud and his mother accepted the Valor Award on his behalf, the room rose in a standing ovation – a moving tribute to his life, service and sacrifice.

Other Newark police officers who were at the scene that day – including Hayford – also earned recognition from the Two Hundred Club of Essex County. They included Cpt. Stephen Dellavalle Jr., Sgt. Jamie Rivera, Det. Mark Thompson, Det. Michael Shore, Det. Christopher Serrano and Det. Michael DaSilva.

Two other law enforcement officers also earned a Public Safety Valor Award for their response that day: Det. Keith Colon of the Jersey City Police Department, and Special Agent Caroline Blanchard of the ATF.

Other honorees spotlighted at this year’s luncheon included:

Children Rescued From Fire

“Cpt. Ashton Robinson, firefighter Christopher Winbush, and firefighter Justin Acabou of the Newark Fire Division were recognized following a residential structure fire in which responding crews rescued two young children from a burning row house.

“Through swift action and lifesaving efforts, the firefighters safely removed the children from the structure and administered CPR before transferring both victims to EMS personnel.”

Barricaded Suspect

“Members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, Newark Police Division, New Jersey State Police, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey State Parole were recognized for their coordinated response during a volatile multi-agency barricaded suspect incident involving a fugitive wanted for attempted murder, weapons offenses and parole violations.

“During the incident, responding officers safely rescued an infant child before the situation escalated into a prolonged exchange of gunfire in which the suspect discharged more than 33 rounds toward law enforcement personnel, including members of Newark SWAT and federal task force officers.

“Despite remaining under sustained gunfire during the approximately 28-minute standoff, officers maintained tactical discipline, restraint, and composure while protecting one another and the surrounding community. The incident ultimately concluded without any law enforcement personnel injured during the exchange.”

High-Rise Apartment Fire

“Cpt. Valter Pires of the Newark Fire Division was recognized following a high-rise apartment fire involving heavy smoke conditions and limited visibility.

“During the incident, Cpt. Pires located and assisted a resident suffering from respiratory distress, providing lifesaving aid and safely coordinating the victim’s removal from the building despite dangerous fire conditions and inoperable elevators.”

Newark Airport Pursuit

“Port Authority Police Officer Travis Jioia was recognized following a motor vehicle stop at Newark Liberty International Airport involving a fleeing suspect who led officers on a dangerous pursuit before attempting to flee on foot.

“Officer Jioia successfully apprehended the suspect, and a subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine and suspected narcotics.”

Chimney Collapse

“Firefighter Branden Comerie of the Newark Fire Division was recognized following a residential structure fire in which a chimney collapse trapped and injured multiple firefighters operating inside the home.

“Without hesitation, firefighter Comerie entered the structure, located an unconscious firefighter beneath the rubble, and safely removed him from danger before remaining by his side until EMS personnel arrived.”

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