Pastor Remembers Slain NYPD Officer As Faithful Family Man

One of the police officers slain in a shooting in New York City this past Saturday has been honored by his pastor as a family man who was passionate about his Christian ministry.

Rafael Ramos was one of two police officers viciously killed while sitting in his patrol car in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday by a suspect allegedly angry over the recent deaths of unarmed African American men Eric Gardner and Michael Brown.

In a statement remembering Ramos, the Rev. Adam Durso, executive pastor at Ramos' church, the Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens, New York, remembered the police officer as a man dedicated to his faith.

"Ralph Ramos was a long-standing member of 14 years at Christ Tabernacle. When he was not working, he was highly involved in our church. He served as an usher, was part of our marriage ministry and life group ministry. He and his family are well loved throughout the congregation," Durso said in the statement, as reported by The Christian Post.

"Ralph was definitely a family man. He always talked about his kids and how well they were doing athletically and academically. He loved his church and family. He leaves behind his wife, Maritza, and two sons, Justin and Jayden, plus a host of family and friends. This is a tragic loss for us as a church, but we are committed to Maritza, Jayden and Justin to give them what Ralph gave us week in and week out," he continued.

Ramos was reportedly close to graduating from the New York State Chaplain Task Force when he was killed on Saturday.