NEW YORK (AP) – Thousands of uniformed police officers from New York City and around the country gathered Friday at the solemn, eight-hour wake of a city policeman who was killed along with his partner in a brazen daytime shooting a week ago.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, who had been criticized by the police union for his handling of protests critical of officers, briefly attended Officer Rafael Ramos’ viewing at the Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens, where Ramos was brought in a flag-draped casket and viewed in full dress uniform.
“Dad, I’m forever grateful of the sacrifices you made to provide for me and Jaden,” Ramos’ son, Justin, said during the wake, referring to his younger brother, as officers gathered in the street watched on giant television screens.
Ramos’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday. Vice President Joseph Biden and Mayor de Blasio have said they’ll attend. The funeral for Ramos’ partner, Officer Wenjian Liu, hasn’t yet been announced.

Throughout the day, colleagues and those who knew him described Ramos as a selfless and compassionate man.
Pastor Ralph Castillo said Ramos was a beloved member of the church.
“Whether he was helping a mom with a carriage or bringing someone to their seats, he did it with so much love and so much vigor and so much joy,” Castillo said.
The 40-year-old’s commanding officer, NYPD Capt. Sergio Centa, said he was studying to be a pastor.
“He had Bible study books in his locker, which is rare for a police officer, but that goes to show you the type of man he was,” Centa said.
Ramos and Liu were shot to death without warning Dec. 20 while sitting in their patrol car on a Brooklyn street. (read more)