Fallen Detective Joseph Seals.Photo: Twitter
Joseph Seals — one of thesix people killedduring a horrific shooting in Jersey City, New Jersey, is being remembered for his devotion to keeping the community safe.
The deadly encounter occurred on Tuesday when Seals was fatally shot at Bay View Cemetery while conducting a homicide investigation. He was 40.
In addition to being a family man, Seals worked to put an end to gun violence.
“Dozens and dozens of handguns he’s responsible for removing from the street,” Police Chief Michael Kelly said, according to NJ.com.
Seals was also known as a local hero after saving a woman from a suspect who attempted to sexually assault her in 2008.
After years of work, Seals was promoted to detective in November 2017, according to NJ.com. Hejoined the police forcein 2006,USA Todayreported.
His death has shaken the community.
“I thought he was a nice guy, and got along well with him,” Seals’ neighbor Anthony Dellisanti toldNJ.com.
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Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulopalso spokeout about Seals’ death saying, “Joe is somebody who is involved in the city, who officers in other precincts knew who he was, because he was a good cop,” ABC 7 NY reported.
“We cried with the family,” Fulop told ABC. “It’s the hardest thing you ever have to see. No one expected Detective Seals not to return home. I’m sure his children expected him to return home.”
Fulop alsopaid tributeto Seals on Twitter writing, “Today we tragically lost Joe as he was serving the ppl of Jersey City that he volunteered to serve. I know I speak for all the residents that are grateful for all he has done for our city. Rest In Peace.”
After fatally shooting Seals, the suspects fled to a kosher market.
After a police standoff at the store, five people were found dead. Two were suspects and three were civilians. They have not been identified.
In addition to the six people killed, two police officers and one civilian were non-fatally shot and are in stable condition.
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office encouraged people to avoid the area surrounding Martin Luther King Boulevard and Bayview Avenue.
The source previously told PEOPLE police were looking for two suspects who are wearing all black.
source: people.com
