Miami Police Union Rally In Support Of NYPD
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A sea of blue gathered in downtown Miami Monday night as police officers from across South Florida rallied to show their solidarity with two New York City police officers who were gunned down and killed earlier this month.
"Every cop that puts on a badge in the morning knows that there is a chance they may not come at night," said Sgt. Javier Ortiz of the Miami Police Department.
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The rally in support of police comes just days after a New York City Cop was laid to rest. Ortiz was among the thousands of officers from all over the country who traveled to New York for the funeral of Officer Rafael Ramos. Ramos and his partner Wenjian Liu were sitting in their patrol car when they were ambushed December 20.
"They were not only murdered, they were assassinated for wearing police uniforms," said Ortiz.
Investigators believe 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley was motivated to pull the trigger after back-lash and protests against police. Law enforcement across the country has been under fire after two controversial deaths of black, unarmed men at the hands of police.
Police believe an anti-police sentiment could mean more attacks on those in uniform. That's why on Monday police officers and supporters held a rally to change the negative narrative about police.
"In every apple bag you have some bad apples in some bags but we need our police officers just like the police officers need the community," said Paulette Darow who says she is a South Florida Community Activist.
To remind people how deadly the task of policing can be, supporters lined the side walk from Bay Front park to the triple A arena blue glow sticks in white bags with names of Fallen officers written on them. Even as they gather in support of officers some say how officers police the people needs to change. "If you are going to live in the future and evolve everybody needs to reform… so does the community," said retired Miami Police Department officer Frank Maye.
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