NEWARK - Heavy rain did not deter hundreds of police officers on Thursday morning from coming out to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart to honor New Jersey’s fallen law enforcement officers – including those who lost their lives in the line of duty, such as Newark Police Sgt. Joseph Azcona.

The Archdiocese of Newark paid tribute to those who serve and protect at its 32nd Annual Blue Mass on Thursday, Oct. 30. The Blue Mass is a tradition that honors all New Jersey law enforcement personnel, with seven deceased officers celebrated this year.

Azcona, a member of the Newark criminal intelligence unit, was shot and killed in March while investigating illegal weapons possession at the corner of Carteret Street and Broadway in Newark. Azcona, 26, was shot before exiting his vehicle a

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