Community Rallies Around Deceased Verona Police Officer

The Verona and Cedar Grove communities continue to rally around local police officer Ron Thorward, who passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer.

According to a Facebook post from the Verona Police Department, was hired in July 2001 after serving as an Essex County Sheriff’s Deputy as well as an Essex County Corrections Officer.

“He will be sorely missed by his fellow Law Enforcement Officers, co-workers and the entire community,” the post stated. “Please keep Ron and his family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of grief. God speed Brother.”

“Ron was a friend to all who came into contact with him and a credit to Verona,” wrote the Verona Fire Department.

“”We would like to extend our condolences to the Verona PBA family and the Thorward family,” stated the West Essex PBA Local #81.

Family members and supports have created a GoFundMe campaign in support of Thorward’s family, which includes two young daughters.

Online contributions can be made here.

Photo courtesy of the Verona Fire Department via Facebook

Photo caption: The Verona and Cedar Grove Fire Departments honor Officer Ron Thorward of the Verona Police Department on Tuesday.