Norwalk PD Officer Cesar Ramirez dies from brain cancer, leaves legacy of service

Officer Cesar Ramirez, a fixture on the Norwalk Police Department for 32 years, died Tuesday morning after a battle with brain cancer. He was 71.

News 12 Staff

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Jan 21, 2020, 5:20 PM

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Updated 1,800 days ago

Officer Cesar Ramirez, a fixture on the Norwalk Police Department for 32 years, died Tuesday morning after a battle with brain cancer. He was 71.

Ramirez took an extended medical leave last month after being diagnosed with glioblastoma – one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.

Many didn't expect to lose him so quickly.

Mayor Harry Rilling, the police department's former chief, told News 12 Connecticut, "I am saddened and heartbroken. Cesar was a wonderful public servant who epitomized what community policing is."

His longtime friend Deidra Davis says Ramirez “always had that loving spirit” and he “loved his community.”

“I'm just thankful I was able to see him this morning,” she told News 12.

In addition to his work as an officer, Ramirez was the chairman of the Norwalk Housing Authority and volunteered with various organizations.

Ramirez previously worked for the NYPD. He leaves behind a wife, a teenage son and two adult sons.

Funeral arrangements are still pending.

State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff released a statement on Ramirez's death: "My thoughts go out to Cesar’s wife Ana, their children and their grandchildren. Cesar was loved by all and one of the finest of the finest in the Norwalk Police Department. I am glad we all were able to have a ceremony with Cesar, his family, and the community last month to honor his over three decades of service. We will miss you, Cesar."