Chris Ryan
NJ Advance Media Group
NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police officer Tolbert A. Furr, 59, died due to complications with the coronavirus on Friday at Clara Maass Medical Center, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced.
Special Police Officer Furr, who was also a resident of the city, served as a Newark cop for 25 years, according to Ambrose.
“The City of Newark grieves collectively with the family of Special Police Officer Furr,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement. “This is a loss that touches us all.”
As of March 31, 163 police officers statewide have tested positive for COVID-19.
“On behalf of the entire Department of Public Safety, Chief of Police Darnell Henry and I extend our deepest condolences to Officer Furr’s family,” Ambrose said. “He will be remembered with distinction for his longstanding commitment and service to our residents.”
Furr’s death adds to the rising total of coronavirus-related fatalities in New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy announced 113 new deaths on Friday, bringing the state’s total to 646. The state also reported 4,372 new cases, and at least 29,895 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in New Jersey.