MOSCOW, January 3 (Sputnik) – New York Police Department Commissioner William J. Bratton warned his employees not to be disrespectful at the funeral of NYPD officer Wenjian Liu, killed with his partner Rafael Ramos on December 20.
"A hero’s funeral is about grieving, not grievance," Bratton said in an internal memo distributed to NYPD officers, as quoted by the New York Post. "I remind you that when you don the uniform of this department, you are bound by the tradition, honor, and decency that go with it," Bratton stated referring to an incident at Ramos’s funeral.
"The city’s and the country’s consciousness of that funeral has focused on an act of disrespect shown by a portion of [police] officers," Bratton said. "It was not all the officers, and it was not disrespect directed at Detective Ramos. But all officers were painted by it. And it stole the valor, honor and attention that rightfully belonged to the memory of Detective Rafael Ramos’ life and sacrifice," he added.
"That was not the intent, I know. But it was the result," Bratton said.
Some police officers believe that De Blasio is responsible for encouraging anti-law enforcement sentiment that led to the policemen's murders.
"[D]etectives have feelings too, and I respect their decision to express them if they so choose," said Michael Palladino, the president of the Detectives’ Endowment Association, as quoted by the New York Times. Palladino added that the DEA will not issue guidelines for police officers on how to behave at the funeral.
Funeral service for NYPD officer Wenjian Liu will be held on January 4, according to NYPD. De Blasio is expected to deliver a eulogy at the ceremony, according to the New York Times.
