GRAVESEND — Renovations are underway at the home of murdered NYPD Detective Wenjian Liu after a foundation raised more than $1 million for the two officers gunned down in their patrol car last December.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation announced improvements to Liu’s Brooklyn home Tuesday, on what would have been his 33rd birthday.
With the help of thousands of donors from around the country, the group collected more than $1 million and in January was able to pay off the mortgages of homes owned by Liu and his slain partner Detective Rafael Ramos.
Now, the Liu family will receive $100,000 in home renovations, including an upgraded air-conditioning system, a new roof and windows, paving and landscaping.
"We are extremely grateful and overwhelmed by everyone's kindness...and generosity,” Liu’s widow, Pei Xia Chen, said Tuesday at a news conference outside their Gravesend home.
Chen also translated remarks from Liu’s father, Wei Tang Liu.
“The dream of an immigrant is to purchase our home and marry off our kids. Finally in 2011 our American dream had come true. Me and my son had (chosen) and purchased this home. It took both of us awhile but finally it's our home,” he said.
“Unfortunately...my hopes and dreams (were destroyed) on Dec. 20, 2014. But we will be strong. We are extremely grateful for (the) Tunnel to Towers Foundation for paying off our mortgage and renovating our home.”
Liu and Ramos were shot dead on Dec. 20 as they sat in their patrol car in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Gunman Ismaaiyl Brinsley killed himself soon after he ambushed the officers, who were posthumously promoted to the rank of detective.
The foundation will also make repairs to Ramos’ Cypress Hills home in the coming months once designs are complete, according to John Hodge, chief operating officer for Tunnel to Towers.