Glen Ridge cops save fellow officer after his heart stops from coronavirus complications

One of Glen Ridge's police officers is fighting for his life after coronavirus complications stopped his heart Tuesday morning.

The police department posted on Facebook that Officer Charles "Rob" Roberts was taken to Mountainside Hospital after officers and members of the ambulance corps were called to his home. Officers and EMTs performed "life-saving measures" before taking him to the hospital, according to the post.

For subscribers:'We’ve been decimated:' NJ police forces strained as COVID-19 sidelines 1,700 officers statewide

"Officer Roberts is a staple in our community, known for his wonderful smile, and unofficially as Mr. Glen Ridge," the post said. "We appreciate all of our residents for thinking of Rob and his family during this difficult time."

Story continues below post

Over the years Roberts has been featured in the Glen Ridge Voice newspaper, a USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey publication, for reading to children, participating in a mock car crash to educate students, organizing fundraisers, and for being part of No Shave November to raise awareness for men's health issues. He's been a member of the department since 2000, records show. 

Roberts is just one of several officers who have tested positive for the coronavirus. The department said it will continue to provide essential services and be committed to residents.

A message left for Glen Ridge's police chief was not immediately returned. 

Statewide, more than 1,700 of New Jersey's 36,000 police officers are in two-week quarantines – almost one out of 20. That includes 657 who've tested positive for the virus, Sgt. Jeff Flynn, a State Police spokesman, said on Monday. 

Kaitlyn Kanzler covers Essex County for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kanzler@northjersey.com Twitter: @KaitlynKanzler8