A section of Keap Street in South Williamsburg has a new street name: Detective Wilbert Mora Street.
Mora, who worked for the New York City Police Department since 2018, was shot while responding to a domestic violence call on January 25, 2022, and died four days later. The street was renamed during a special ceremony on July 18, 2023, which would have been his 29th birthday.
Last week in Williamsburg, BK Reader hit the streets to ask neighbors about the new sign.
“I love it," said Millie Rodriguez, a long-time resident of Williamsburg, through tears. "I just wish that the teachers would take the kids around and show them, you know, teach them and show them who Mora was."
One local resident who wished not to share their name said, “It was a good thing done. He was very well-known around this neighborhood. Everyone was honored that they did that for the man."
The co-naming ceremony, which was attended by friends, family and several NYPD officers, honored Mora’s life and time on the force.
Mora, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, first moved to the United States with his family at the age of 7. He grew up on Keap Street in Williamsburg, where he dreamt of one day becoming a police officer, according to NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
During Mora's wake on Jan. 31. 2022, Police Commissioner Keechant Swell described Mora as a hero and a dedicated, courageous and compassionate officer who sacrificed a lot for the people he cared about.
Mora’s legacy has greatly impacted the community he served, resonating deeply with residents, colleagues, and neighboring communities alike.
“I think this is going to be a good thing for the community," said a Brooklynite who requested to remain anonymous.
"For generations to come, people will see the sign, read the name, and ask the question, 'Who was he?'" NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said during the co-naming event.
