PS 331 in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn was renamed as the Detective Wenjian Liu School of Civics and Entrepreneurship to honor the slain NYPD detective who was shot and killed in the line of duty a decade ago by someone who hated police officers. The renaming ceremony was attended by many grieving family members and NYPD officers who celebrated the dedication. Liu’s widow, Sanny Liu, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and mentioned that the students at the school will learn about her husband’s story and the sacrifices he made for the community.
Detective Wenjian Liu and his partner Rafael Ramos were killed in a tragic street execution on December 20, 2014. They were shot in their squad car by an emotionally troubled gunman who targeted them because they were police officers. Sanny Liu, who had been married to Wenjian Liu for only three months when he was killed, was able to give birth to their daughter, Angelina, through artificial insemination two and a half years after his death. Angelina, who is now 6 years old, attends a different school in Dyker Heights but will be transferring to the school named after her heroic father next year.
This renaming ceremony was significant not only because it honored Detective Liu, but also because the school became the first public school in New York City to be named after an Asian American. The Dyker Heights community, where the school is located, is nearly 60% Asian American, making the dedication fitting for the neighborhood. The school’s principal, who is of Taiwanese descent, speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese, further strengthening the ties between the school and the Asian American community in the area.
Despite the joyous atmosphere of the ceremony, both Sanny Liu and Maritza Ramos, the widow of Detective Rafael Ramos, acknowledged that the pain of losing their husbands is still very fresh. Maritza mentioned that her daughter, who looks a lot like her father, has grown up learning about his bravery even though she never got to meet him. The passing of time has not lessened the pain for these families, with Maritza noting that for her, it still feels like the tragic events happened just yesterday. The ceremony served as a way to honor the memories of the fallen officers and ensure that their legacies live on.
The dedication of PS 331 as the Detective Wenjian Liu School of Civics and Entrepreneurship not only pays tribute to the sacrifices made by Detective Liu and his partner, but also highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions made by members of the Asian American community, particularly in neighborhoods where they make up a significant portion of the population. The school will serve as a reminder to students of the bravery and dedication exhibited by Detective Liu and other members of law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect their communities. The ceremony was a bittersweet moment for the families of both officers, who continue to mourn their loss while finding ways to keep their memories alive.
In honoring Detective Wenjian Liu through the renaming of PS 331, the NYPD and the Dyker Heights community have come together to show their appreciation for his service and sacrifice. By naming the school after Detective Liu, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students to serve their communities with courage and compassion. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day and the importance of recognizing their contributions to society. As Angelina Liu prepares to attend the school named after her father, she will carry on his legacy of dedication and service, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
