Mourners of one of two NYPD officers who were shot and killed while sitting in their patrol car Saturday, will begin to gather at a Queens church Friday afternoon. The visitation for Police Officer Rafael Ramos is scheduled to begin at the Christ Tabernacle Church in Glendale as early as 2 p.m., with visitors allowed through 9 p.m.
Ramos, 40, was one of two officers murdered on Dec. 20 by Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28. Ramos sat in the driver seat of their patrol car next to partner Wenjian Liu when Brinsley came up from behind the car and fired four gunshots from the passenger side, killing both cops. Ramos was on the force only two years before he was killed. He became an officer in 2012, after working previously as a school safety agent.
Ramos’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. Mayor Bill de Blasio, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Vice President Joe Biden are expected to attend.
De Blasio and Bratton have each visited with Ramos’ family at least twice — at Woodhull Hospital after the murders and at the family home on Dec. 22.
Ramos is survived by his wife Maritza and two sons, Justin and Jaden. Jaden memorialized his father on his Facebook page hours after his death.
“This is the worst day of my life,” the 13-year-old wrote. “Today I had to say bye to my father. He was there for me every day of my life, he was the best father I could ask for.” Liu’s wake and funeral have not been scheduled yet, city officials said, due to family members still making travel arrangements for relatives in China.
Family, friends of slain NYPD Officer Ramos mourn together in Queens
