Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announce with deepest regret the passing of Newark Police Officer Dexter Bright, 47, who passed away yesterday following a long term illness.
“The City of Newark mourns the loss of a lifelong Newarker who served our community for the past 19 years,” Mayor Baraka said.
“Officer Bright was a dedicated and committed member of our Police Division and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues.”
“Our hearts are broken by this tragic loss of one Newark’s finest officers,” Director Ambrose said.
“I stood alongside Officer Bright when he was presented the Valor Award by The 200 Club of Essex County last year.
He was cited for disrupting an armed robbery in May 2018, while he was off-duty and inside a barber shop where he was getting a haircut. His quick actions led to the arrest of the two suspects,” Director Ambrose added.
That’s the kind of Police Officer he was, always working, uncompromisingly caring and always protecting the City of Newark.”
Officer Bright joined the Newark Police Division in August 2001. His assignments included the Traffic Section, Motorcycle Unit and patrol assignments at the 3rd and 5th Precincts.
”Our heartfelt prayers and condolences are extended to his family” officials said.