Thousands of family, friends and city officials came to honor the life of NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos. Ramos, 40, and fellow officer Wenjian Liu, 32, were killed while sitting in their patrol car. Over 25,000 cops from all across the nation attended Ramos’ funeral at the Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens. Read more on the story after the jump and check out the photos from the funeral in the gallery!
Rafael Ramos was described as being a very brave and courageous man. Ramos’ older son, Justin, gave the crowd a very emotional speech he told the church, “what happened to my father is a tragedy, but his death will not be in vain…my father was a man of character, he was a selfless man. He always went above and beyond for his family…my father was a hero. He touched so many and will continue to do so. I could not ask for a better role model..I love you so much, Dad.” He says his dad was the center of his family. His wife Margarita and sons, Jaden, a 13-year-old middle-schooler; and Justin, a Bowdoin College sophomore attended the funeral as well. At his father’s wake, he said, “I could not imagine a more loving and supportive father. I cannot begin to fathom what life would be without him…he was my rock, he was a beacon of wisdom…He will live on through Jaden and I — in everything that we do we’ll honor him,” he said.
Gov. Cuomo said, “With Officer Ramos and Officer Liu, this was a personal tragedy…these were two men who had families, young families. Officer Ramos had two young boys who he was raising and a beautiful wife. And to lose their father this way, such an unexpected way, at this time of year, is truly, truly difficult.” The mayor and Vice President Biden spoke as well. Mayor de Blasio was also there to pay respect. Ramos worked as an usher during Sunday services at the church were his funeral was held. He served on the church’s marriage ministry and the group ministry. Ramos and Wenjian Liu were both killed by Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28, who fled to a nearby subway station where he then took his own life.
Check out the photos from the funeral in the gallery!
