Hudson County Mourns Fallen Hero: Sheriff’s Officer Justin Rivera Dies in the Line of Duty in Jersey City
Jersey City, NJ – May 30, 2025 — The law enforcement community across New Jersey and beyond is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of 29-year-old Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Justin Rivera, who tragically died in the line of duty during the early morning hours of Friday. Officer Rivera was found gravely injured outside the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City while performing his duties, and despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred just after 1:00 a.m. Friday, when a passerby reported a law enforcement officer down near the rear entrance of the administration complex, located at 595 Newark Avenue. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately, and Officer Rivera was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The circumstances surrounding Officer Rivera’s death are under active investigation. Authorities have not yet released specific details about how he sustained his injuries, but foul play has not been ruled out. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez confirmed that the Homicide Unit, in coordination with the Jersey City Police Department and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, is pursuing all possible leads.
“This is an incredibly dark day for Hudson County,” said Prosecutor Suarez in a statement Friday morning. “Officer Justin Rivera was a dedicated public servant who put his life on the line to protect our community. We mourn the loss of a brave young man whose commitment to duty exemplified the highest ideals of law enforcement.”
Officer Rivera had served with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office for six years, joining the department in 2019. He was known among colleagues for his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and calm presence under pressure. Fellow officers described him as a “gentle giant” with a deep sense of responsibility to the people he served.
Sheriff Frank X. Schillari expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic loss, saying, “We have lost not only a colleague, but a brother. Justin was one of the finest officers I’ve had the honor to serve with. His courage and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone around him. This department will never forget his sacrifice.”
In a show of solidarity, law enforcement agencies across New Jersey lowered their flags to half-staff and shared tributes to Officer Rivera on social media throughout the day. Officers from neighboring counties, including Essex, Bergen, and Union, also responded to calls in Hudson County to give Rivera’s unit time to grieve.
Members of the community, shocked by the sudden tragedy, began leaving flowers, candles, and notes of gratitude at the administration building where Officer Rivera was last seen on duty. A growing memorial near the building’s entrance includes a large photograph of Rivera in uniform, surrounded by messages like “Thank you for your service” and “Rest easy, hero.”
Born and raised in Jersey City, Rivera was a graduate of Dickinson High School and later earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice. He was passionate about community policing and was often seen engaging with youth during county safety events and public outreach programs. Colleagues say he dreamed of one day becoming a detective or leading community engagement efforts for the department.
He is survived by his mother, Carmen Rivera, his younger sister, Isabella, and fiancée, Marissa Delgado, to whom he had recently become engaged. In a heartbreaking statement, Delgado described Justin as “the love of my life and the protector of everyone around him. He gave everything for this city — and now it’s our turn to honor him.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement late Friday, offering condolences to Rivera’s family and the Hudson County law enforcement community. “Officer Rivera gave his life in service to others. His bravery and commitment to justice will not be forgotten. New Jersey stands with his family, friends, and fellow officers during this devastating time.”
Funeral arrangements are currently being planned, with details expected to be released in the coming days. The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating a full honors ceremony and procession, anticipated to draw hundreds of officers and first responders from across the tri-state area.
As investigators continue their work, authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the Hudson County Administration Building during the early morning hours of May 30 to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at (201) 915-1345.
Officer Justin Rivera’s death is a solemn reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face each day while serving their communities. As Hudson County mourns one of its own, the legacy of this young officer’s dedication and sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.