“I came out today because when anyone else passes away in law enforcement, that hits home because it could be any one of us,” said Mr. Singleton, who served on the force for 20 years.
Detective Rivera’s colleagues in the 32nd Precinct had made the journey to the cathedral before dawn on Friday, walking past a memorial in front of the precinct station that included a toy police cruiser, candles and balloons.
He had been assigned to the Harlem command last May, and was so excited that he double-parked in front of the station house, causing a traffic jam and sending the desk sergeant into a frenzy, Inspector Amir Yakatally, the precinct’s commanding officer, said.
His supervisors quickly took note of the rookie who showed up to work early and signed up for any assignment that got him out on the street. Inspector Yakatally said they predicted that he would do well.
“Jason wanted to be out there, really doing the job and interacting with the public,” Inspector Yakatally said. “He would volunteer for any assignment and step up and take the dirtiest jobs and most difficult tasks given, just for the chance to learn and serve.”
Detective Rivera was one of the youngest officers to die in the line of duty, the same age as Officer Edward R. Byrne, who was shot and killed in 1984, as he guarded the Queens home of a witness in a drug case.
Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, in a eulogy that was her first major public address since becoming commissioner less than a month ago, praised Detective Rivera and promoted him from an officer to the highest detective rank.
“This has always been a city of lights, and police officer Jason Rivera was one of the brightest,” she said.