Memorial walk held in Washington Heights for slain NYPD Det. Jason Rivera
NEW YORK -- Family members and neighbors honored fallen NYPD Det. Jason Rivera on Sunday in Washington Heights, the neighborhood where he grew up.
As CBS2's Thalia Perez reported, they took part in a walk and shared memories during an emotional ceremony.
Dozens hit the pavement in memory of Rivera, who lost his life in the line of duty back in January.
"It's an honor to walk, to honor with his family, his teachers, his principals and hear the memories about how he lived his life," marcher Sofia Russo said.
Sophomores and juniors from the High School for Media and Communications, where Russo is the principal, created the image of Rivera that was carried along the route.
"We're inspired by him and want to honor the way that he lived," Russo said.
Marchers said walking through Rivera's childhood stomping grounds is symbolic in many ways.
"I have three boys and one of them is the same age as Jason. The feeling for everybody is the same -- sadness. But we also feel very proud," Fidelina Rodriguez said.
The walk began at the elementary school Rivera attended on Broadway and Academy streets and then stopped at the 34th Precinct for a moment of silence.
The march ended at WHEELS -- the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School on 182nd and Audubon, where he also attended.
"Both my kids went to school with Jason," John Gallagher said. "He was one of those kids who actually really did from the time he was a small boy come up and try to serve the community, and he's an example to our kids. So we need to honor that."
On Jan. 21, Rivera and his partner, Wilbert Mora, were fatally shot while responding to a domestic dispute in Harlem in late January.
"The only thing that I feel when I hear the name Jason Rivera is pride, and Tata, wherever you are I want you to know how much I love you," older brother Jeffrey Rivera said.
Loved ones for whom the grief is still fresh and the pain very strong said they will continue to have events like this to honor their hero.
