When Officer Wilbert Mora, 27, and his partner, Officer Jason Rivera, 22, responded to a routine domestic violence call at an apartment building in Harlem last month, they were met with gunfire — Rivera died on the scene, and Mora died four days later.
Today, for the second time in less than a week thousands of mourners arrived at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to pay their last respects to a police officer whose dedication and bravery were recalled by those present.
The police officers, family and friends gathered together to share memories of Officer Mora, a four-year veteran of the force, who was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York with his family when he was 7 years old. Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, spoke about how his family came to the United States for “an opportunity, safety and security — and the better life that so many in this city work for.”
Tear-filled mourners remembered Officer Mora for his bright smile and his dedicated service. His older sister, Karina Mora, described Officer Mora and Officer Rivera as “two young men who wanted to make a difference in society.”
“How many more Wilberts? How many more Jasons? How many more police officers have to lose their lives so that the system changes?” She asked.
A sea of officers, stretching down Fifth Avenue, stood at attention as Officer Mora’s casket was carried down the steps of St. Patrick’s at the conclusion of the funeral.
View the slideshow below to see these poignant photos taken by Jeffrey Bruno who so beautifully captured the mourners outside Officer Rivera’s funeral last week.
