Massachusetts Police Depts. Head To NY For Slain Officer's Funeral
BOSTON (CBS/AP) -- Massachusetts police departments joined thousands of officers in New York Sunday to pay their respects to an officer shot to death along with his partner.
Buddhist monks lead a Chinese ceremony for Officer Wenjian Liu, followed by a traditional police ceremony with eulogies led by a chaplain. Liu, 32, had served as a policeman for seven years and was married just two months when he was killed with his partner, Officer Rafael Ramos, on Dec. 20.
Massachusetts State Police and local police departments took to social media to post pictures of officers heading to the funeral and show their support for the New York Police Department.
"Again today, we are one. #RIP Officer Liu," State Police spokesman Dustin Fitch posted.
"From our department's interactions with the public on social media, we know that many people who follow us closely are grateful every day for the work that police officers undertake for their safety," State Police Superintendent Colonel Timothy Alben wrote in a public statement.
The shooter, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, killed himself shortly after the brazen daytime ambush on a Brooklyn street.
Investigators say Brinsley was an emotionally disturbed loner who had made references online to the killings this summer of unarmed black men at the hands of white police officers, vowing to put "wings on pigs."
Boston police said hundreds of their officers planned to attend the funeral.
"With heavy hearts, the BPD keeps Liu, Ramos, and the NYPD in our thoughts and prayers, and we remember them for their courage and service to their city," police said in a statement. "Rest in peace, Officers; you will not be forgotten."
Everett police said some of their department members also made the trip.
"It's great to see that so many Boston area Police Officers braved the snow last night and early this morning to head to Detective First Class Wenjian Lui's Funeral in New York today," Everett police said on Facebook. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Detective Liu. Gone But Not Forgotten."
Methuen and Westwood were just some of the other police departments in New York on Sunday.
Last month, police departments from around New England attended Ramos' funeral.
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