City Announces Mother of Two Hoboken Police Officers Has Died From COVID-19

Over the past few weeks, local authorities have made heartfelt appeals for the public to stay home, in the effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus in our area. That point has been painfully underscored as the mother of two Hoboken Police Officers has passed away from the COVID-19 virus, according to Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

“Carmen Rivera, the mother of Hoboken Police Detectives John and Fabien Quinones passed away yesterday at the Hoboken University Medical Center,” said Bhalla. “Earlier today, I called and spoke to the family to send my deepest condolences and mourn with them and the entire Hoboken PD for the tragic loss.”

On Monday, Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante delivered a direct personal statement on behalf of his Department, first responders and medical personnel regarding measures enacted for their safety and for that of the general public.

On Thursday, he shared the following:

Visions of @CityofHoboken , today 230pm, 1)14th & Washington St, 2)9th & Washington St, 3)4th & Madison St. Day 28 of @HobokenPD Coronavirus operations. Self-isolation & social distancing looks good today. In memory of Carmen Rivera, mother of Dets. John & Fabian Quinones. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/49yq0aGowx

— Chief Ken Ferrante (@KenFerrante) April 2, 2020

The Hoboken Police Department itself has its second confirmed positive COVID-19 case—a Detective who lives outside of Hudson County. That Detective has not worked since March 20 and is recovering at home. Those who had worked with him are self-quarantined as a precaution and are showing no symptoms.

“As a reminder, you may be infected with COVID-19, but not even know it and have no symptoms,” said Bhalla. “Leaving your home and accidentally bumping into someone on the street, touching a railing at the store, being too close to a friend you’re talking to (even if you think you’re social distancing) and other routine activities could literally lead to someone else, including seniors, those with pre-existing conditions, and others catching COVID-19. The only true way we can truly protect ourselves, and especially those more prone to dying after catching it, is to stay home as much as possible.”

First responders are desperately short on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Anyone able to donate PPE, please contact Brian O’Nieal from the Hoboken Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) at bonieal@hobokencert.org.

For those looking to become more proactively involved in the fight, the Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG) of Hoboken and Jersey City has been established by those looking to help supply food and other items to First Responders in need during this overwhelming medical crisis.

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