A public school in Brooklyn was renamed in honor of slain NYPD detective Wenjian Liu, who was shot and killed in the line of duty by a cop-hating maniac a decade earlier. PS 331 in Dyker Heights was officially named the Detective Wenjian Liu School of Civics and Entrepreneurship, and the renaming ceremony was attended by family members and NYPD officers. Liu’s widow, Sanny Liu, expressed her gratitude for the honor and noted that the students at the school would learn about her husband’s story and legacy.
Detective Liu and his partner Rafael Ramos were killed in a brutal street execution in 2014. Liu’s widow, Sanny, was able to give birth to their daughter Angelina through artificial insemination two and a half years after Liu’s murder. Angelina, now 6, attends a different school in Dyker Heights but will be transferring to the elementary school named after her father. The renaming of the school marked an important milestone as it became the first public school in New York City to be named after an Asian American, reflecting the diverse Asian American community in Dyker Heights.
The ceremony honoring Detective Wenjian Liu was a mix of celebration and remembrance, with both widow Sanny Liu and Rafael Ramos’ widow, Maritza, acknowledging the ongoing pain of losing their husbands. Despite the passage of 10 years, both families continue to feel the loss deeply. Angelina, who never met her father, has grown up learning about his bravery and sacrifice. Sanny Liu expressed her appreciation for the support from the Chinese and Asian American community and noted the significance of the naming for her daughter and others in the community.
The dedication of the school to Detective Wenjian Liu was a fitting tribute to his memory and sacrifice. Principal of the school, of Taiwanese descent, speaks Mandarin and Cantonese, reflecting the diverse student body within the school. The renaming of the school was a joyful occasion for the community, despite the tragic circumstances that led to it. Liu’s legacy will live on through the students who learn about his story and the principles of civics and entrepreneurship that the school aims to instill in them.
The ceremony was attended by many grieving family members and NYPD officers who paid tribute to Detective Wenjian Liu’s service and sacrifice. The school renaming highlighted the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives in service of their community and honoring their legacy. The naming of the school after an Asian American also symbolized the diversity and inclusivity of the Dyker Heights community. The families of Detective Liu and Rafael Ramos expressed their appreciation for the support and recognition from the community and noted the significance of the school renaming for future generations.
Overall, the renaming of PS 331 to the Detective Wenjian Liu School of Civics and Entrepreneurship was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers like Detective Liu. The ceremony brought together grieving family members, community members, and NYPD officers to celebrate Detective Liu’s life and legacy. The school will serve as a lasting tribute to his memory and a place where students can learn about his dedication to serving and protecting the community. The renaming ceremony was a testament to the impact that Detective Liu had on those around him and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
