Epic send-off for Newark cop discharged after COVID-19 battle

With the staggering COVID-19 death toll nearing 10,000 in New Jersey and a 12th law enforcement officer among them, this is a heartwarming story about another man in blue who got better.

Newark Lt. Hector Arocho went to the hospital on May 2 after not feeling well for several days and at the urging and insistence of his fellow officers. Sure enough he had the novel coronavirus and was admitted. According to a report on NJ.com he calls it the best decision he ever made.

He’s one of the lucky ones. The 51 year old pulled through and was released on Wednesday after a nearly two week fight. The way he was discharged is one for the ages.

QUEST FOR A CURE: Thursday at 7 p.m., New Jersey 101.5 hosts a live discussion on NJ-driven advancements in coronavirus treatment and research that could save lives, help return NJ to work and even make progress toward a vaccine. Listen on New Jersey 101.5 FM, the NJ 101.5 app or Facebook.com/NJ1015.

He received a first responder’s lights-and-sirens send-off which was all captured on video and shared by the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Welcome home, lieutenant.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski. Any opinions expressed are Jeff Deminski's own.