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.
“We as a city, as a state and as a nation, we say, thank you, Jason,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. “Today, our hearts are with his beautiful family.”
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell told the crowd New York City has always been “a city of lights.”