Cop from LI who was shot makes detective
NYPD officer Ricardo Ramirez, a graduate of Brentwood High School, who was seriously wounded in October, poses with wife Ana, after his promotion to rank of detective. He became newly-minted detective after escaping a close brush with death. Credit: Handout
After NYPD Officer Ricardo Ramirez was shot by a suspect during a chase in Brooklyn in October, doctors talked about having to amputate his right leg as he was being rushed to a nearby hospital.
But Friday, the 29-year-old Ramirez used both legs to walk across the stage at police headquarters to receive a promotion to the rank of detective -- as well as hearty handshakes from Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
It was Ramirez's relentless "positive attitude and inner strength" that got him through the ordeal, Kelly told the audience in a packed auditorium.
Ramirez was among scores of officers and NYPD civilians who received promotions Friday.
The Brentwood High School graduate was one of three officers injured in the line of duty who were singled out by Kelly for recognition.
Also promoted to detective were Officer Robert Salerno, 26, of Westchester, who was shot in the abdomen in March 2010 while responding to a domestic disturbance; and Officer Carlos Olmedo, who was hit by a motorcycle as he pursued two car theft suspects on foot in May 2010 in Brooklyn.
"I am just happy I am walking around," Ramirez told reporters after the ceremony.
Ramirez had been assigned to the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn but said his new assignment as a detective had yet to be determined. Ramirez is still undergoing rehabilitation therapy and walks with a slight hitch in his step.
Ramirez's parents, Vilma and Richard, as well as his beaming wife, Ana, 29, later posed for photographs in the spacious auditorium. The families live in Suffolk County.
Kelly said Ramirez was shot three times in the chest and legs, with his protective vest stopping an additional round.
A bullet that hit Ramirez's leg tore into the femoral artery, causing him to lose more than two liters of blood, Kelly said.
After being hit, Ramirez continued to fire and wounded the suspect, police said.
It was only the quick action by Officer Brian McIvor, who fashioned a tourniquet from his belt, that kept Ramirez from bleeding to death, police said.
It's Your Business! This month's roundup including how to protect yourself from digital scams Join NewsdayTV as we recount the top business stories on LI that you need to know about.
It's Your Business! This month's roundup including how to protect yourself from digital scams Join NewsdayTV as we recount the top business stories on LI that you need to know about.
