Remembering NYPD Det. Jason Rivera: Thousands flock to NYC's St. Patrick's Cathedral to honor hero c
NYC gives final salute to slain NYPD officer Jason Rivera
NEW YORK CITY – Thousands flocked to the streets surrounding New York City’s famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday to say their final goodbyes to fallen New York City Det. Jason Rivera, who was lovingly called "Tata."
Police and law enforcement from throughout the country – and some from outside the U.S., including Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates – joined loved ones and the public in honoring the 22-year-old fledgling officer, who was shot and killed by a domestic violence suspect earlier this month, police have said. Light snow began just before the funeral was scheduled to start at 9 a.m. The services would be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. The New York Police Department (NYPD) began closing surrounding streets – nearly two street dozen blocks – at 6 a.m.
Lines of police vehicles approaching the cathedral extended for miles. Music blared in the moments before the ceremony began.
Fighting back tears throughout her time at the podium, Rivera's wife, Dominique Luzuriaga, described how she is in "this nightmare that I wish I never had."
Full of rage and anger, hurt and sad," she continued. "Although I gained thousands of Blue Brothers and sisters, I'm the loneliest without you. I know you're looking at me and beside me telling me I could do this, and I'm trying. Trust me, I am. But I didn't prepare for this."
Luzuriaga said Rivera made her feel "alive" and said he would be "so happy" to see everyone there "through pain and sorrow."
"This is exactly how he would have wanted to be remembered like a true hero," she said. "You have the whole nation on gridlock. And although you won't be here anymore, I want you to live through me." She went on to say how the system "continues to fail us."
We are not safe anymore. Not even the members of the service," Luzuriaga said. "I know you were tired of these laws, especially the ones from the new D.A," she added, presumably in reference to newly minted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
"I'm sure all of our blue family is tired too," she continued. "But I promise, we promise that your death won't be in vain. I love you to the end of time."
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell told the crowd New York City has always been "a city of lights."
