The family and friends of NYPD officer Jason Rivera came together on Thursday night.
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Officer Rivera emerged from the Heights with a need to serve, but before joining the Academy, he had to get in shape - so he joined the Dyckman Running Club community.
"He believed in us, and he believed in himself - and that's what we're doing, we're honoring him, said one member.
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They called him 'Tata.'
On Thursday, his running brothers and his brothers and sisters in blue ran two miles through the streets of Inwood - the streets that made him into the officer he became, if only for a little bit.
The two miles brought the runners by Rivera's family home - candles marking the start of his life. They ran to the river and back to Fort Tryon Park, where they lit candles for 'Tata,' and his partner, Wilbert Mora.
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"These lights will go dim, but their lights will never go dim if we continue to make an impact in all the people we touch," said another member.
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