Newport Beach police ride for detective Jon Jarema, who lost battle to cancer

Area law enforcement officers gathered Monday to pay their respects to Newport Beach police detective Jon Jarema, who died Saturday after a two-year battle with brain cancer.

Newport Beach Police Department personnel joined members of Jarema’s family in a memorial procession along a 5.5-mile route from Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, eastbound along the Pacific Coast Highway, to Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar.

Jarema died Saturday due to complications from late-stage anaplastic astrocytoma, a condition which had caused the development of a slow-growing but malignant brain tumor. He was 36.

According to a release issued Sunday by the department, Jarema was a 12-year veteran who served the Newport Beach community as a dedicated patrol officer, SWAT Team member and detective.

“Jon loved being a police officer,� the release stated. “Above all else, Jon’s devotion to his colleagues, dedication to duty, and charismatic smile will always be remembered.�

In May 2018, Jarema was at work when he felt a pop below his left ear immediately followed by vision changes, slurred speech and a numbness in his left hand, according to a GoFundme page set up by fellow Newport Beach Det. Jenny Kresge.

An MRI and CT scan revealed Jarema had a kidney bean-sized brain tumor surrounded by swollen tissue. But a subsequent surgery revealed the tumor was the size of a tennis ball and non-operable, and Jarema was soon diagnosed with Stage 3 anaplastic astrocytoma.

Over the next 18 months, the police detective would receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation treatments, the last of which was to conclude on May 1, according to posts by Kresge.

Supporters helped blow past a $25,000 fundraising goal during the first 48 hours of the campaign. The GoFundMe page has now collected more than $54,000 for Jarema’s family. In a post on June 20, 2018, the detective shared his heartfelt appreciation for the effort.

“This journey has been a whirlwind,� he wrote. “Through it all, the love and support sent to me and my family has made me constantly smile — I love each and every one of you and I am eternally grateful.�

Jarema leaves behind a wife, Lauren, and 3-year-old twins Jett and Quinn.

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