Early Thursday morning in Newark, NJ, a tragic event unfolded as a police officer lost his life after being hit by a car. Jairo Rodriguez, a 53-year-old traffic control officer with the Newark Police Department, was directing traffic on Lafayette Street at 12:42 a.m. when the accident occurred. Officers arrived at the scene to find Rodriguez unresponsive and he was promptly transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:37 a.m.

Driver's Status and Identity

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was taken to Saint Michael’s Medical Center for treatment. It has been reported that the driver is a Newark police sergeant who was off-duty at the time. This incident has left the community in shock and mourning.

Mayor's Remarks

Mayor Ras Baraka expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic news, highlighting Rodriguez's contributions to the city. "This tragic news is heartbreaking on so many levels," he said. "The pain of losing a public servant committed to keeping drivers and pedestrians safe is difficult enough, but learning that TCO Rodriguez was struck while on duty - directing traffic - is devastating." His words reflect the community's sense of loss.

Public Safety Director's Tribute

Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda spoke highly of Rodriguez, stating that he was "highly respected and beloved" by all who worked with him. He joined the Newark Department of Public Safety in 2022 and was immediately embraced as a dear Brother in Blue due to his consistent demeanor of kindness, warmth, and sincerity. As a traffic control officer, he faithfully directed traffic and monitored the city's bus lanes and parking meters. Before joining the department, he worked at Prudential Arena, where his reputation for impeccable service remains legendary.

Investigation and National Statistics

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating the fatality. No additional information was immediately available, according to Newark police. It is important to note that traffic-related fatalities pose a persistent danger for police officers. Nationwide, car crashes are listed as the third most-common cause of death for officers. In 2023, this number decreased by 27 percent, with 37 officers dying in traffic-related crashes such as single-vehicle accidents, vehicle collisions, struck-by incidents, and motorcycle crashes while working along the nation's roadways. These statistics serve as a reminder of the risks faced by police officers in their line of duty.We deeply mourn this incredible loss and pray for the comfort and strength of Rodriguez's wife and two daughters. His dedication and service will be remembered by the community.