On Jan. 28, members of the Yonkers Police Department and the Westchester County Police Department held a “Hero’s Salute” for NYPD Detective Jason Rivera, who was killed in the line of duty on Jan. 21. Police officers stood along three overpasses for the NYS Thruway in at McLean Avenue and at Yonkers Avenue and Palmer Road, in Yonkers to salue Rivera and say goodbye.
A funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan was given for Rivera on Jan. 28, and then he was taken to Ferncliff Cemetary in Hartsdale for burial.
NYPD Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, was also shot and killed with Rivera on Jan. 21, after responding to a 911 call for a domestic dispute. Rivera was a 22 year old rookie at the time of his death.
Mayor Mike Spano said, “Today, I stood in solidarity with hundreds of Yonkers residents in honor of fallen NYPD Detective Jason Rivera. The feelings resonating inside me during his final send-off left me confused, outraged, yet still optimistic. It isn’t easy to summarize the emotions in a single word, but seeing the hundreds of people standing shoulder to shoulder to pay tribute to Det. Rivera reminded me of the good that still exists. As painful as this moment was, it is a wake-up call reminding us of the men and women who go out each and every day to serve and protect people in our communities. For that, we say thank you. May God bless Detective Jason Rivera. Best wishes, Mike Spano, Mayor.”
“The Yonkers Republican Party is committed to keeping our City safe, and this includes Yonkers Police Officers. For the last 4 years, Albany has made it more and more difficult for our police to do their jobs & to keep themselves safe. We will always #BacktheBlue. We can’t allow this tragedy to happen again,” posted the Yonkers GOP on Facebook.
County Legislator James Noland said, “Today I stood and will always stand with the Yonkers Police Department, other elected officials, and residents to offer my condolences and to show honor to NYPD Officer Jason Rivera. Thank you for your brave heroism and service to protect others. It’s a sad day because heartbreaking tragedy’s like this shouldn’t happen. We must continue to work together to make our community a safer place. Thank you to all of our hero police officers for your service and who put others before themselves!”
State Senator Shelley Mayer said, “Thank you Yonkers Police Department and Westchester County Police Department for organizing a “hero’s salute” for NYPD Officer Jason Rivera. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues on this somber day.”
