Street named after slain Detective Liu

A hero honored.

Brooklyn Detective Wenjian Liu, who was killed in the line of duty this past December, was honored with a street named in his memory. Liu’s family attended the dedication on Saturday, June 13, at West Sixth Street and Avenue T in Gravesend, along with dignitaries such as Mayor Bill de Blasio, Assemblymember William Colton, Councilmember Mark Treyger and District Leader Nancy Tong. Police Commissioner Bill Bratton was also on hand for the event. The street was co-named “Detective Wenjian Liu Way.”

“It was a very important day. The Liu family lived right on the corner of Avenue T,” said Colton. “This had been a story of the American dream. He became an officer, bought a house for his parents. His family was moving right along. Suddenly, it was all destroyed by his tragic assassination. It was important that we co-name the street.”

Liu had also gotten married months prior to his death

Colton explained that the sign will serve as a reminder of the heroic acts performed the NYPD, especially for the younger generation. “It means we do not forget when somebody risks his life trying to protect all of us,” he said. “When a kid sees the sign and asks who Liu was, their parents can tell them that he was a hero killed in line of duty trying to protect us. Hopefully young people will realize he was heroic and cops are there to protect us and appreciate the risks they take.”

According to Colton, the family was touched and devastated by the day. “You could see how sad they were,” he said. “They invited us into their house for breakfast and lunch and you can see sadness is still there.”

Normally, co-naming a street is a lengthy process. “Because of circumstances, this was something of great interest to people,” Colton said. “It was done relatively quickly by the City Council and signed by the mayor.”

All of Liu’s family was in attendance. His father spoke with Liu’s wife translating. “Basically she said it’s important people appreciate what officers do,” Colton explained. “She understands that more than anyone.”

That sadness was shared by all in attendance, including Bratton, added Colton. “The commissioner spoke about the loss of officers,” said Colton. “He understands what it means. He said that every time he has to go to a funeral, he wishes it would be last one he has to attend.”

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