Despite the cold night air, a vigil was held for Detectives Liu and Ramos by the 49th Precinct in conduction with the Bharati Dance Academy and EF Sports, Inc. who provided the candles.
Residents from the 49th and beyond gathered together to show the solidarity of this city in trying times. The vigil is part of many held throughout the city as remembrance of the two officers who were fatally shot by a gunman last month. The loss of these two officers have not only effected their families but the residents, NYPD, and the city itself.
In his remarks, Captain Timothy McCormack of the 49th Precinct, stressed the sad loss of two excellent police 
officers who gave their lives in order to protect all. Captain McCormack praised Hazel Miura director of housing and community development at Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. for spearheading the organization of this event.
After the vigil I asked him what he thought had to be done to get everybody together and to move forward. He said: “We Are Together”. Hopefully his words will ring true and we can all be together and there can be reconciliation.
Other community leaders who attended were Tony Signorile, Al D’Angello, Anthony Vitaliano, Jeremy Warneke, Andrea Siegel, Jeffrey Panish and Howie Martin. Elected officials present to show their condolences and respect for the NYPD included Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblymembers Benedetto and Gjonaj, Councilmembers Jimmy Vacca and Andy King, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
“We came together tonight to honor our fallen heroes and we all stand together with our police department as a diverse community. We know we are better together.” said Pastor Jay Gooding, of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council.
Mr. Joe Thompson, Chair of the 49th Precinct Community Council, stressed the need for the community to work closely with the 49th Precinct and his feeling of great loss with the slaying of officers Liu and Ramos. “The outpouring of love and support from this community during this time makes me so proud that to have ever even tried to do anything for this community.”
When asked what has to be done to get us together he said: “Everybody has to sit down at a table, stop screaming and insulting others and act as adults.”
On personal reflection, I saw that as the candles flicked in the night, it symbolized both the loss and the togetherness of the community and the Bronx.
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