A memorial for fallen Newark Detective Joseph Azcona was vandalized by an emotionally disturbed woman just before his private wake. Set up by the local Fraternal Order of Police, the memorial included a police cruiser adorned with flowers, balloons, and a photo of Azcona, who had been tragically shot in the line of duty. After the vandal was caught, she returned some of the decorations but was issued a summons for desecration of a venerated object. The incident prompted New Jersey's governor to honor the fallen officer by lowering flags across the state.
It wasn't clear if the other decorations - which included patches from other police departments left at the site and at least one arrangement in the shape of an officer's shield - were damaged during the woman's tirade.
The disgraceful act came just two days before Azcona will be laid to rest - with his Friday funeral set for 10:30 a.m. at the revered Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Ridge Street in Newark.
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