Adams, NYPD brass honor Detectives Wenjian Liu, Rafael Ramos 10 years after ambush killing
Dec 20, 2024
Mayor Adams joined NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and hundreds of uniformed officers at a Queens church to honor Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos on the 10th anniversary of their savage ambush killing by a cop-hating gunman.
“Today, we are gathered for a memorial Mass to honor two NYPD heroes, detectives Wenjian ‘Joe’ Liu and Rafael Ramos. Ten years ago, we made a solemn promise to never forget them or their sacrifices,” Tisch tweeted on Friday.
“That dark day a decade ago left our department and city in shock, and the pain of their loss is still with us. We can never fill the void left by detectives Liu and Ramos, but we will ensure we always honor their legacies and carry on the vital work they both cared about so deeply.”
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch speaks at the 10th anniversary memorial service for NYPD Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were killed in the line of duty on December 20, 2014, at Saints Church in Glendale, Queens, on Friday, December 20, 2024. (Ed Reed / Mayoral Photography Office)
Liu and Ramos were slain a decade ago Friday, gunned down in a surprise attack in Brooklyn by career criminal Ismaaiyl Abdullah Brinsley, in retaliation for the deaths of Staten Island dad Eric Garner and Ferguson, Mo., teen Michael Brown at the hands of police.
The memorial at Saints Church in Glendale featured speakers including Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry and the slain detectives’ widows, Maritza Ramos and Sanny Liu.
The 10th anniversary memorial service for NYPD Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were killed in a surprise attack while on patrol on December 20, 2014, is pictured at Saints Church in Glendale, Queens, on Friday, December 20, 2024. (Ed Reed / Mayoral Photography Office)
Adams said the event is part of ongoing efforts to enshrine the slain officers as heroes of the NYPD and ensure that their sacrifice inspires future generations of city cops.
“Ten years ago, Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were killed in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice as they did what all police officers are called to do — protect the communities they serve,” Adams tweeted. “Today, we honor their legacy, ensuring their dedication is always remembered and continues to inspire future generations”