Crime & Safety

Paterson Police Officer, 34, Dies Of Coronavirus

Francesco Scorpo leaves behind a 4-year-old and 6-month-old son.

PATERSON, NJ — Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale and Chief Ibrahim Baycora announced Sunday that Police Officer Francesco Scorpo, age 34, had died that morning from complications related to the coronavirus.

Scorpo leaves behind a wife of six years, Kristina, and two sons, Francisco Jr., 4, and Santino, 6 months.

"A dedicated son, husband and father, Officer Scorpo was a family man who cared so very much about people and his profession," said a release from the department. "He will be remembered not only for being an exemplary police officer, but as an exceptional and very special human being."

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Scorpo joined the Paterson police force on July 20, 2015, serving in both the patrol and traffic Divisions.

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He is also survived by his father Sebastiano “Sam” Scorpo and his mother Anna.

"Officer Scorpo was a dedicated public servant who served our profession and our community with pride, honor and distinction," said the release.

Mayor Andre Sayegh added, "Francesco Scorpo was an exemplary police officer and the consummate professional. I always enjoyed seeing him in action. My sympathetic sorrow goes out to his family."

As of Sunday morning, New Jersey had reported 58,151 cases of the virus, and 2,183 people have died. Between Friday and Saturday, there were 251 more deaths statewide, or one approximately every 6 minutes. READ MORE.

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