City Council approves street renamings for slain NYPD detectives

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The lives of Detectives Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu may have been taken too soon, but the City of New York plans to have their names live on forever.

"Today's going to be a very special day, a very emotional day since we are doing the street re-namings," said Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Council Speaker.

The officers were killed while sitting in their patrol car December 20th, when a mad man who had plans to assassinate law enforcement shot them at close range.

The families of both officers came to City Hall chambers for a ceremony to co-name two Brooklyn streets the officers protected after them.

"Detectives Ramos and Liu personified what it means to serve New York City with honor and courage," Mark-Viverito said.

The legislation co-names Ridgewood Avenue, between Shepherd Avenue and Highland Place in Brooklyn, "Detective Rafael Ramos Way." West 6th Street, between Avenue S and Avenue T in Brooklyn, would be co-named "Detective Wenjian Liu Way".

"The bill to co-name 56 thoroughfares and public places on behalf of certain individuals more specifically in honor of Detectives Liu and Ramos has now been passed by the New York City Council," Mark-Viverito said.

Everyone in the room took to their feet to applaud and honor the officers' families, some who had to wipe away tears. Police Commissioner William Bratton thanked the council for expeditiously moving the legislation along, while PBA President Pat Lynch talked about the respect he has for the families of the fallen officers.

"If they have the courage to rise each and every day and show respect to us you give the courage to every police officer to go out and do a difficult job," said Pat Lynch, NYC PBA President.

The mayor still has to sign the legislation.