Thousands Attend Wake of Killed NYPD Officer Ramos

MOSCOW, December 27 (Sputnik) – Thousands gathered to pay their respects at an eight-hour wake held for Rafael Ramos, a New York Police Department officer, who was fatally shot along with his partner on December 20, the Associated Press reports.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Bill de Blasio, the current mayor of New York, and Rudolph W. Giuliani, a former mayor of the city, along with hundreds of uniformed officers joined Ramos’s wife Maritza and his two sons, Justin and Jayden, at the Christ Tabernacle Church in Glendale, Queens.

"Dad, I'm forever grateful of the sacrifices you made to provide for me and Jaden," Justin said, as quoted by the AP.

"Today we weep with the Ramos family, the New York City Police Department and our nation as we mourn the loss of our dear brother," said Pastor Ralph Castillo, as quoted by CBS New York. "We loved Rafael Ramos. We loved the way he served people, we loved his faithfulness and the way he served people, and we’re going to miss him a great deal," he added.

NYPD Captain Sergio Centa told the AP that Ramos was studying to be a pastor. "He had Bible study books in his locker, which is rare for a police officer, but that goes to show you the type of man he was," Centa said, as quoted by the news agency.

Ramos was an usher at Christ Tabernacle Church. "Our motto at Christ Tabernacle is 'No Place Like Home' and Ralph was one of the faithful ushers who made Christ Tabernacle feel like home!" the church said in a statement published on its website. Ramos was described as a humble man, who was always willing to help in any capacity. He "had an infectious and disarming smile," the statement said.

US Vice President Biden and Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, are expected to attend Ramos’s funeral, scheduled to be held on Saturday.

Ramos and Wenjian Liu were killed by Ismaaiyl Brinsley in Brooklyn while sitting in their patrol car. The gunman later committed suicide. Brinsley allegedly attacked them to avenge Michael Brown and Eric Garner, two unarmed African-Americans killed by white police officers. He had a history of mental instability, according to NYPD.