Beloved Cop, Livingston Native Mourned After Coronavirus Fight – Livingston, NJ Patch
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Livingston native Charles “Rob” Roberts wasn’t afraid to tackle the big assignments, putting his life on the line as a detective and acting as a mentor to the entire Glen Ridge Police Department. But he also knew that the small tasks are important too, and never passed up a chance to help with a fundraising run or to install a car seat for a local parent.
And it’s just one reason that the first line of duty death in the 125-year history of the GRPD is hitting the township so hard, his peers say.
On Monday, Roberts died after fighting a “courageous” battle against the coronavirus, succumbing to COVID-19 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, the GRPD stated.
Roberts leaves behind his wife and three children. He was 45.
The dedicated officer, who grew up in Livingston and later moved to Glen Ridge with his family, had been hospitalized for almost three weeks before passing away. It was a fight that galvanized many in Glen Ridge, which has seen 35 confirmed COVID-19 cases and eight deaths connected to the disease as of Tuesday, according to county statistics.
In addition to scores of people in the community, Grant Haley of the New York Giants offered a video message of support for Roberts (watch it here).
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Byron-Lagattuta offered a statement about Roberts and what he meant to the department:
“Officer Roberts worked tirelessly at keeping our community safe and I can say with certainty that he was known by face or name by both children and adults alike after serving the Borough for twenty years. Many were privileged to have met Officer Roberts in his official capacity as a bicycle officer, certified car seat installer, DARE/LEAD instructor. He held the honor of being the most senior officer within the patrol division and served as a detective and a field training officer within the department. Rob never missed an opportunity to support law enforcement races such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run which benefits the Special Olympics and the Tunnel to Towers Run honoring the lives of first responders lost on September 11, 2001. Rob was a mentor within the department and the entire borough; and today we have truly lost a hero to all.”
Byron-Lagattuta continued:
“The loss of Officer Roberts has extinguished the presence of a pillar and staple within the law enforcement community and the Borough of Glen Ridge. Despite our loss, the ever-lit green front porch lights at headquarters will continue to serve as a beacon for those in need. Rest easy our brother in blue, you will never be forgotten and have left a permanent mark on each life you have touched. To have known you is to have loved you.”
Several nearby police departments offered similar words of praise for Roberts.
The Livingston Police Department wrote:
“On behalf of Chief Marshuetz and the men and women of the Livingston Police Department we would like to send our deepest condolences to the Glen Ridge Police Department and the family of Officer Charles Roberts. Officer Roberts passed away today due to complications from COVID-19. Charlie was a 1992 Graduate of Livingston high school. May you rest In eternal peace.”
The West Caldwell Police Department wrote:
“Today we mourn the loss of a true hero. Officer Charles “Rob” Roberts of the Glen Ridge Police Department passed away yesterday after an incredibly brave battle with this terrible virus. Our hearts are broken for his wife Alice and his three children. Thank you for your service Officer Roberts. You remind us all to be brave. Rest In Peace.”
The Bloomfield Division of Public Safety wrote:
“The Bloomfield Police Dept sends our deepest condolences to the Glen Ridge PD. We are saddened to hear that Police Officer Charles “Rob” Roberts has lost his long and valiant battle against COVID-19. Please keep Rob, his family and the Glen Ridge PD in your thoughts and prayers.”
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