Cops and community gathered together at the 45th Precinct to remember the lives of two slain police officers.
The candlelight vigil took place outside the station house in Throggs Neck after nightfall on Monday, December 29 and honored the lives of police officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu who were assassinated by a deranged gunman as they sat in a patrol car in Brooklyn on Saturday, December 20.
The ceremony, organized by the 45th Precinct Community Council, was a tribute to the two officers, with a large contingent of NYPD members, elected officials, and community leaders holding candles and placing carnations on a wreath in a show of support for the police and to honor the fallen heros.
The wreath was later donated to a memorial located near where the officers were ambushed.
“It is a fitting tribute to the officers who lost their lives,” said 45th Precinct commanding officer Captain James McGoewn at the event, adding “We appreciate your support.”
Elected officials including Assemblyman Benedetto, Councilman Andy King, Councilman James Vacca, and representatives from Congressman Joseph Crowley and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. offered some words remembering the police officers. Public Advocate Letitia James also attended.
The comments that were offered by the elected officials tended to focus on complex issues of the role of police policy and morale, and building stronger relationships between the cops and the communities that they serve.
The event was a local effort all around, with flowers to honor Ramos and Liu donated by Jerome Florist and Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, and sound equipment provided courtesy of the Pelham Bay Taxpayers.
Prayers for the fallen hero cops were offered by Rev. Deborah Jenkins of Faith @ Work Christian Church and Father Stephen Norton of St. Benedict’s Church. Poems were read in honor of the fallen cops and those everywhere.
Former police officer and Community Board 10 vice-chairman John Marano said that he was proud that the 45th Precinct was the first Bronx community to honor Liu and Ramos.
But the 45th will not be the last precinct to hold such an event.
The neighboring 49th Precinct will be holding a Community Candlelight Vigil at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5 at their station, 2121 Eastchester Road.
