It was just after Christmas when Gretchen and Victoria Lysne, young sisters from Wisconsin, heard their parents say that two police officers had been shot dead in their patrol car all the way out in New York City.
What the little girls did next — donating to a widows fund the $20 bill each had received as a Christmas present from their grandma — so warmed the hearts of the city’s first responders that the girls and their family were flown out for a personal thank you.
Gretchen, 9, and Victoria, 7, grinned wide and clutched teddy bears dressed in police uniforms as NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton praised their selfless gesture at a ceremony Friday at Police Headquarters.
Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were shot in Brooklyn on Dec. 20 by cop-hating madman Ismaaiyl Brinsley, who then took his own life.
Victoria’s bear is named Rafael Ramos.
“Victoria and Gretchen were so moved by the tragedy that they felt compelled to do their part to help the suffering families,” the top cop said.
The girls offered a more simple explanation. “I gave some money to [the families] so they would feel better,” Gretchen said. “I just wanted them to have a good life.”
Rachel Lysne, the girls’ mother, said she and her husband, Craig, had been discussing contributing to the widows when the sisters piped up.
“I’ll give my money, Mom,” the mother recalled the older girl quickly saying. Just as quickly, the younger sister said she would give her money as well.
“I was just overcome,” Rachel added.
The family’s trip was sponsored by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which spearheaded the collections for the slain cops’ families.
The sisters also will serve as honorary starters for the charity’s May 17 run for first responders who died on 9/11.
Meanwhile on Friday, President Obama honored the 131 cops killed in the line of duty nationally in 2014 and consoled their relatives — including those of Detective Liu.
Obama expressed his gratitude for the officers’ sacrifices as part of the 34th annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service on the Capitol’s West Lawn.
“We cannot erase every darkness or danger from the duty that you’ve chosen,” he said. “We can offer you the support you need to be safe.”