Officer Mora saves 5 lives by donating organs; flags fly at half-staff for fallen officers

Mora was 27 years old when he died Tuesday afternoon.

News 12 Staff

Jan 26, 2022, 10:50 AM

Updated 1,042 days ago

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A memorial grows outside the 32nd Precinct where Officers Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora worked, and flags flew at half-staff Wednesday in their honor. The two officers are hailed heroes for their sacrifice to their city, and News 12 learned Officer Mora continues to save lives even in death.
Mora was 27 years old when he died Tuesday afternoon. The NYPD says Rivera died the same night of the shooting Friday at the age of 22.
The shooting stemmed from a call for help on Friday night. The NYPD says a woman called 911 after an argument with her son. When officers arrived, police say Lashawn McNeil swung open his bedroom door and began firing at the officers. Police say McNeil tried to run away, but he was shot by a third officer on hand in Harlem that night.
McNeil died on Monday.
Residents, family members and police officers say the loss of these two officers has rocked them to their core. But officers say a big source of hope comes from the overwhelming support from the community.
"Placing flowers, bowing their heads, feeding our families, taking care of our police officers - not just here on this spot but every place that you see them. That's important. New York City police officers live here, work here. They're your sisters, mothers, and fathers," said Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch.
According to LiveOnNY president and CEO Leonard Achan, Mora's decision to donate his heart, liver, two kidneys and pancreas saved the lives of five individuals, including three from New York.
"Him being an organ donor has resulted in him saving five lives today," says Achan. "He remains a hero and will live on, and five people have a second chance at life as a result of this generous gift."
Achan says he hopes Mora's heroic decision will lead others to sign on as donors.
Rivera's funeral is scheduled for Friday. Mora is expected to be laid to rest next Wednesday.
JetBlue will cover flights for members of law enforcement that want to fly to the funerals of the two officers. "We are honored to help now just as we have in the past," it said in a statement. "We have a long history of supporting public service professionals in our hometown of New York as well as the many other places JetBlue crewmembers live and work. Law enforcement officers and other public officials who wish to come to New York to pay their respects and offer support should call us directly and they will be booked free of charge."