BRUNSWICK — The son of one of two New York City police officers killed Dec. 20 in Brooklyn is a sophomore at Bowdoin College.

Barry Mills, president of the college, informed the family of student Justin Ramos on Sunday morning that the college would provide full financial aid to enable Ramos to complete his Bowdoin education.

In a post on the college’s Facebook page, Mills urged respect for the family’s privacy in the wake of the “unspeakable tragedy.”

“We are a very close community, and we share in Justin’s pain and anguish,” Mills wrote. “I know you join me in offering heartfelt condolences to Justin and the entire Ramos family, and I am sure you will respect their privacy as they and we support one another in the days and weeks ahead.”

New York police officers Rafael Ramos, 40, and Wenjiian Liu, 32, were fatally shot in their squad car Saturday by a 28-year-old man who then killed himself.

On Sunday, the New York Yankees Silver Shield Foundation offered to pay for the college educations of Justin Ramos and his younger brother, but Bowdoin College spokesman Scott Hood said Monday that the college would provide the aid.

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“Bowdoin works to meet the full need of admitted students for all four years,” Hood wrote. “Justin’s circumstances have obviously changed, so the college will make sure he is able to continue his education here when he is ready to return. We appreciate the offer from the Yankees’ organization, but we have it covered.”

Most of the college’s students left campus last week after finishing their first semester. They are now on break for the winter holidays.

“We are eager to welcome Justin back to campus for the start of our second semester in January, or whenever he is ready to return, and we will do everything we can to support him through this period,” Hood wrote Monday in an email to the Bangor Daily News.

Mills announced Monday afternoon that the college had established a fund to benefit the Ramos family. Donations can be made online or by check made out to “Bowdoin College — Ramos Fund,” mailed to Bursar’s Office — Ramos Fund, Bowdoin College, 5420 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011.


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