Who Was Jason Rivera: NYPD Officer Known For Big Heart and Smile

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Currents News Staff

Slain Officer Jason Rivera recorded this speech for students at his former high school, just a few years ago, inspiring them to succeed in life.

“I want you to hear me, hear my voice and know that you’re gonna get through it, you’re gonna get through it, you gotta put in the work you gotta put in 100% effort,” he said.

Because that’s exactly what he did, whether he was raising money for charity as a high schooler, or patrolling the streets of the city as a rookie cop, Jason was known for his huge, warm smile and personality –  as seen on this video making the rounds on social media. 

In a letter to the police academy titled “Why I Became a Police Officer,” Jason wrote that he was inspired to be a cop to improve relations between the community and the police.

He said, “I know that something as small as helping a tourist with directions, or helping a couple resolve an issue, will put a smile on someone’s face.”

After being killed while responding to that domestic dispute, Rivera’s wife of only a few months posted this message on Instagram after visiting her husband’s locker room saying:

“Fly high my beautiful angel. Now your soul will spend the rest of my days with me, through me, right beside me. I love you till the end of time.”

The police benevolent association is now calling on New Yorkers to be beside Jason’s widow at his upcoming funeral. Union President Patrick Lynch made an impassioned plea for everyone to show up on friday.

“The streets can’t just be full of New York City police officers at this funeral,” said Lynch. “The public has to come. The public has to send a message to anyone that dares to harm a New York City police officer. Not here, not now, not today, not to us. We’re asking, we’re humbly asking you to come out and help us.”

If you’d like to attend, funeral arrangements for Officer Rivera are set for later this week.

His wake will be at St. Patrick’s Cathedral this Thursday, Jan. 27, from 1- 8 p.m. The next day, Friday, Jan. 28, will be his funeral Mass, which begins at 9 a.m.

Be sure to tune in online as Currents News will carry the funeral Mass live on our Facebook page.

An online fundraiser for Jason’s family has already raised more than a quarter of a million dollars online. If you would also like to contribute just go to fundthefirst.com and search for “police officer jason rivera.”