Bratton says policing ‘in a crisis’ at tribute to slain NYPD cop

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton

NEW YORK (TIP): Slain cop Brian Moore was honored during a touching tribute to fallen NYPD officers in Times Square on Wednesday, May 6 afternoon.

The event, which fell a few days before the start of Police Week on May 10, began with a moment of silence for Moore, who died Monday after being taken off life support.

Police Commissioner Bill Bratton spoke at the event, expressing his gratitude for cops who have made “the ultimate sacrifice” for the safety of citizens. He called Moore “a hero in every sense of the word.”

“This young officer was doing what we’d expect an officer to do, to basically see something and follow up on it, and unfortunately it ended in the tragedy that did occur,” the top cop said at a press conference after the event.

Bratton bluntly added that the country is in a time of crisis.

“Let’s face it, we’re in a crisis at this time, in this country, on issues of race, around effectiveness of policing, around police tactics, probably the most significant I’ve seen since I joined policing in 1970,” he said.

Family members of cops killed in the line of duty also spoke at the event and sympathized with Moore’s family.

“My condolences go out to the Moore family,” said Cathy Guerra, 37, whose husband, Dennis, died while responding to an arson fire in Coney Island.

“We understand firsthand what they are going through. It’s not easy. We’re there to support them and whatever they need. We’ll be there for them.”

Thousands of people are expected to attend Moore’s wake Thursday. And at least 25,000 to 30,000 cops are planning to attend the Friday funeral at St. James Church.

Before the wake, Bratton said the department will be putting the names of Officers Rafael Ramos, Wenjian Liu, Dennis Guerra and Michael Williams on a memorial in the “Hall of Heroes” inside Police Headquarters.

St. James Church released a statement Wednesday, saying church officials are “deeply saddened” by the news of Moore’s death.

“Brian’s decision to become a police officer clearly expressed his drive to provide service to others and his wish to secure the safety of all,” Pastor John Derasmo said in a statement.

“The significance of PO Brian Moore’s contribution to us is not measured by the length of time he served as a police officer but by the passion and concern he brought to his work with the NYPD.”

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