The first Asian American police officer in Edison, NJ will be memorialized this week following his death from ALS.
Retired Sgt. Joseph Luistro was just 55.
“It’s very sad,” said Police Chief Thomas Bryan to My Central New Jersey.
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS strikes the nervous system and causes a loss of muscle control.
The Daily Voice reports the Filipino American began his law enforcement career at Rutgers University-New Brunswick Police Department in 1993 and moved to Edison’s force in 1999.
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He became president of the Asian American Law Enforcement Association in 2008. After he retired from the Department, he ran for city council in 2021 losing in a tight race. He went on to serve the city in the Edison Master Plan Committee.
“Sergeant Luistro’s legacy lives on through his dedication to recruiting and mentoring new officers, especially from diverse backgrounds,” the department’s Facebook post read.
He valiantly fought his disease. His family organized a GoFundMe campaign to battle his disease that raised more than $135,000.
“Anyone who is lucky enough to know Joe knows he is a kind and caring man. As an Edison Police Sergeant he has helped countless citizens and colleagues for over 20 years. Joe is a family man and the proud father of 2 children with a beautiful wife,” the family wrote at the time.
Visitations will be held on Monday, January 22nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, on Tuesday, January 23rd 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Boylan Funeral Home (10 Wooding Ave, Edison, NJ 08817). A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, January 24th 2024 at 11:00 AM at the St. Matthew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church (81 Seymour Ave, Edison, NJ 08817).
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