Man becomes cop to honor murdered brother

NBC News

It's been nearly seven years since Ronald Page's brother was killed at a drive-thru.

For Ronald Page the pain is never far away – even on the day he fulfilled his brother’s dream by graduating from the police academy.

It has been nearly seven years since Evan Antwan Page, 17, was killed at a Checkers drive-thru in Florida when he wouldn't give in to a man carrying a gun who was trying to rob him.

“When this killing happened even his teacher came from Carol City (High) School crying,” his grandmother recalled Thursday.

She called it senseless – the murder of a promising high school student who was in the Police Explorers and JROTC programs and who wanted to be a police officer.

For more, visit NBCMiami.com

Years later that dream was realized Thursday afternoon, in a way.

“I decided at least for the short term, live out his dream and become a police officer,” Ronald Page said.

He graduated from the Miami Police Department's training academy, deciding that for now that is the way for him to help his community and honor his brother.

“I wanted to go into law enforcement because my brother wanted to be a police officer. He wanted to start out local and then branch off to the federal level, but unfortunately he didn't get a chance to do that,” Page said.

Police say the person who killed Antwan Page was a black male in his late teens or early 20s.

The only person alive who saw him was Page's friend, who was a passenger in the car.

The years have passed with no leads. On Thursday, Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers raised its reward in the case to $5,000. Anyone with information is asked to call 305-471-TIPS.

“I didn't become a law enforcement officer to hunt him down. That’s not why I did it,” Ronald Page said. “I became a law enforcement officer so that no one else has to go through that pain and agony that I’ve been through.”

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Comment author avatarNick Thompson-5365573Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

first

  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:56 AM EDT

Perez Hilton called...you are wanted over at his site.

  • 12 votes
#1.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:22 AM EDT

Nick,

The proctologist called. They found your head.

  • 18 votes
#1.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:38 AM EDT

Nick,

You should become a whore to honor your dead sister.

  • 7 votes
#1.3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:07 AM EDT

You guys crack me up..... thanks for the laughs.

  • 6 votes
#1.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:12 AM EDT

This kid is acting like he is going to turn into superman or something and save the world from all crime. I get his reasoning for becoming a cop, but lets get back to reality a bit buddy.

May your brother be smiling down on you and keep you safe during your fights with crime.

  • 6 votes
#1.5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:17 AM EDT

Maybe honour Rodney King too

  • 2 votes
#1.6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:32 AM EDT

YOU GUYS are Great!!!! I am with Srich on this one! LMAO!!!!!!

    #1.7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:44 AM EDT

    The jerk store called. They're running out of you

    • 1 vote
    #1.8 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:37 PM EDT

    @Nick Thompson-5365573 - first.....moron to post?

      #1.9 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:49 PM EDT
      Reply

      Your brother would have been proud. Thank you for your public service.

      • 46 votes
      Reply#2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:00 AM EDT

      We are all proud of you ronald....do your best and thank you for your public service......

      • 10 votes
      #2.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:08 AM EDT

      Well done.

      • 6 votes
      #2.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:34 AM EDT

      Well done son, I'm sure your brother is proud of you. It takes courage to do what you've done....I have a feeling that the streets will be a little more safer knowing that someone with your heart and admiration for the law will be protecting them. I don't know you but I'm proud to see such a positive step you've taken to heal your wounded heart. GOOD LUCK!!!

      • 4 votes
      #2.3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:18 PM EDT

      Good luck and blessings young man.

      Stories like this renew my faith in humanity.

      • 2 votes
      #2.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:40 PM EDT

      Good Luck and keep Safe.

      • 2 votes
      #2.5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:51 PM EDT

      Good Luck Ronald be safe and keep your streets safe. Your brother will always be riding along with you no matter what because he is in your heart. What a proud moment for you!!

      • 3 votes
      #2.6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:23 PM EDT
      Comment author avatardave-sunny so.calExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

      He sounds stupider than his brother.

        #2.7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:29 PM EDT

        and you

        • 2 votes
        #2.8 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:20 PM EDT

        This young man's folks can be very proud of him for his sense of duty and honor. He's going to make one heck of a good policeman.

          #2.9 - Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:16 AM EDT

          You honor no one by becoming a pig. I have tons of this slops in my family and they all have issues. Crooks with a badge, my father, brother, cousin and borhter in law live in a sick world of gun magazines, cruel dogs, being a bully, false illiusions and free lunches. They love to brag how many speeding tickets they give and how the roughed up a speeder with tough talk. Pigs.

            #2.10 - Sun Jul 15, 2012 12:04 PM EDT
            Reply

            Well done, Ronald!

            I know your brother is smiling down proudly on you.

            God's peace to you and your family.

            • 30 votes
            Reply#3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:00 AM EDT

            Amen Ronald! What a beautiful way to honor your Evan and his legacy. I wish both you and your loved ones well. Have a safe journey.

            • 12 votes
            #3.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:45 AM EDT
            Reply
            Comment author avatarSavage ChezzExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

            If he is a GOOD Cop, then good.... But I feel he ONLY joined the Force to be a dirty, low life Cop out to get Revenge on others who remind him of his brothers killer....

            Public Service, hahahahaha

            • 4 votes
            Reply#4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:03 AM EDT

            Your trolling Kung Fu is not strong, grasshopper.

            • 19 votes
            #4.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:38 AM EDT
            Comment author avatarRockyroad-531554Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

            Where is the NAACP? Jesse Jackson?? OH no money in it for them I guess.

            • 5 votes
            #4.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:43 AM EDT

            Do you have a clue how thorough and complex the recruitment process is for law enforcement officers? Do you really think he'd be hired unless he demonstrated desirable skills and personality traits?

            Troll elsewhere.

            • 11 votes
            #4.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:52 AM EDT

            So their recruitment process is so good, that's why there are no bad cops?

            • 2 votes
            #4.5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:55 AM EDT

            I love folks that hate cops, but call them when they need them. LOL!

            • 3 votes
            #4.6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:19 AM EDT

            savage- If he is a GOOD Cop, then good.... But I feel he ONLY joined the Force to be a dirty, low life Cop out to get Revenge on others who remind him of his brothers killer....

            Public Service, hahahahaha

            And many on here feel that you are only trolling here so that you can find a victim to scam or rape. I just get that feeling about you. I'm sorry you hate you own life and couldn't even compare well Ronald, but with comments like that its easy to see why.

              #4.7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:11 PM EDT

              good point mrs officer. these miscreant cop haters would be standing in a puddle of their own p*ss crying out "fo they mama" if they had to do a tenth of what leo's do every day.

                #4.8 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:36 PM EDT

                Did you read the article. He specifically stated he WASN'T joining for revenge. Jesus people READ BEFORE COMMENTING!

                • 2 votes
                #4.9 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:56 PM EDT

                You cops think people need you? What idiot told you that?

                • 2 votes
                #4.10 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:32 PM EDT

                i seen many times what happens when called hope no homeless or mentally ill around

                • 1 vote
                #4.11 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:47 PM EDT

                --Nothing wrong with that.

                  #4.12 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:17 PM EDT
                  Reply
                  Comment author avatarSavage ChezzExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                  “I didn't become a law enforcement officer to hunt him down. That’s not why I did it,” Ronald Page said. “I became a law enforcement officer so that no one else has to go through that pain and agony that I’ve been through.”
                  Somebody who became a cop, not because he has any interest in being a cop, but because his brother wanted to be one, is not the kind of cop the people of Miami or (any other place for that matter) need on the street

                  • 9 votes
                  Reply#5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:20 AM EDT

                  You are a @!$%#ing idiot!

                  • 23 votes
                  #5.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:44 AM EDT

                  "“I became a law enforcement officer so that no one else has to go through that pain and agony that I’ve been through.” What this means (to anyone who actually had grey matter in his/her skull) is that he wants to do his part to protect his community, to maintain law and order, to prevent senseless tragedies. The fact that you don't get this young man's character demonstrates your cognitive deficiencies.

                  This young man is to be commended and I wish him great joy and success in his career.

                  • 11 votes
                  #5.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:56 AM EDT

                  You low-life POS! What makes you such a super-star cop? What are you there for, to have the opportunity to jerk people around and brag about what a hero you are?

                  • 3 votes
                  #5.3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:06 AM EDT

                  I hope he doesn't abuse the tazer gun.

                  • 2 votes
                  #5.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:20 AM EDT

                  More of a job

                  • 1 vote
                  #5.5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:23 AM EDT

                  I guess when you need help, you call "Ghost Busters" right? LOL

                  I love people that hate police officers, but are the first ones to call them when they need help. LOL!

                  You're the new term for "Dumb-asser-fa-cation" LOL!!!!!!!!

                  • 2 votes
                  #5.6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:24 AM EDT

                  You are totally off track. This Law Enforcement Officer could be the one to save your worthless hide one day, unfortunately.

                  It's trolls like you that live a miserable life.

                  • 1 vote
                  #5.7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:00 PM EDT

                  my worthless hide and yours which is even lower could be saved one day thanks to my own training or any other common citizen Police isusually hanging out at restaurants, 7,11 or stopping that guy with a busted rear light when serious crime happens ALWAYS..the obnly thing i wish for you is for me to be far away when it happens so you get the protection you deserve; NONE

                  • 2 votes
                  #5.8 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:46 PM EDT

                  I wonder if he will leave law enforcement the first time he sees another cop abuse his power or act in an immoral or illegal manner, join with them in their corruption, look the other way which is simply another way to become corrupted, or will he be one of the few that get fired for daring to expose the ones that are truly corrupt within his own force.

                    #5.9 - Sat Jul 14, 2012 10:30 PM EDT
                    Reply
                    Comment author avatarSam-665517Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                    I don't know - I don't want to be a pessimist but I have a feeling if he thought he found his brothers killer and they were alone - I'm wondering if he would take the law into his own hands. Hopefully not and this has a happy ending.

                      Reply#6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:55 AM EDT

                      Sam, with all the negativity in the world, could you at least try to think, believe, and stay on a positive note. I thank you, the family thank you, and the commenters who wrote positive words, thank you. To Ronald I'm very proud of your achievements and wish you well. The Lord works in mysterious ways, we as His children must have faith. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

                      • 1 vote
                      #6.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:54 AM EDT
                      Reply

                      May God watch over you during your many assignments as a police officer. Your brother is smiling at you. Citizens like me thank you for your service.

                      • 20 votes
                      Reply#7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:05 AM EDT
                      Comment author avatardave-sunny so.calExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                      god and cops-both useless.

                      • 1 vote
                      #7.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:34 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      Some very small minds on this site but not unexpected.

                      To Ronald Page - well done. Your brother would be so proud. But, remember you have to live YOUR life so at some point make sure this is right for you. Until then - be safe and again, well done!

                      • 22 votes
                      Reply#8 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:08 AM EDT

                      Good Luck to you, Sir!

                      Ignore all the Negative Nancy's. It takes courage just to make the step, and just because he's becoming a Police Office to honor his brother, doesn't mean he won't be a good one. He obviously has concern for the community and both he & his brother seemed to be raised in a loving, moral home.

                      thank you for your service, Officer Page!

                      • 15 votes
                      Reply#9 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:11 AM EDT
                      Comment author avatarManuel RojasExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                      Great job young man your brother will be honored by your achievement. All of you negatives are just F-ing Liberal IDIOTS!

                      • 7 votes
                      Reply#10 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:18 AM EDT

                      "Most of the negative comments here carry the typical conservative slant, you dumb fu@k"

                      Gee, you pretty much proved his point! Well done!

                      • 7 votes
                      #10.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:05 AM EDT

                      The Negativity on this thread smells Conservative to me.... They're the ones that hate on Minorities

                      • 9 votes
                      #10.3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:38 AM EDT

                      Because conservatives are so pro-police. Just like Mitt "We don't need any more police or firefighters! We have too many already!" Romney.

                      • 2 votes
                      #10.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:56 AM EDT

                      Eddie why don't you go to Northern Wisconsin where they are by majority liberal and ask them how they feel about " dark skinned canadians" and then shut the H**l up until you come to the realization that you are a dumb as*

                      • 2 votes
                      #10.5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:07 PM EDT

                      "The Negativity on this thread smells Conservative to me.... They're the ones that hate on Minorities"

                      Such a blanket statement Eddie. Using your logic, one could say liberals "hate" the Constitution, the military, organized religion, faith based organizations, 2nd amendment proponents, school choice advocates, etc. Shall I go on? The word "hate" is so misappropriated in society! Since when does one having a different opinion or opposing view constitute "Hate". I don't agree with you, but I don't "hate" you. Heck, I don't even know you!

                      • 4 votes
                      #10.6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:30 PM EDT

                      Must be an election year............rants from the far left and far right weave their way into almost every topic even though they don't belong.

                      • 3 votes
                      #10.7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:42 PM EDT

                      Actually, election or not makes no difference. Blanket and unsubstantiated statements demand a response. Your point is well taken though. It does seem the thread has been hijacked! Guilty as charged!

                        #10.8 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 1:52 PM EDT

                        Good grief!! Once again, another positive beautiful story, and for some reason, we have to find a way to bring our political rants into it!? We all understand that the "evil majority" of the MAJORITY of people in our country, have been "upset" because another politician was elected in 2008, who just doesnt quite look like "them," so every topic discussed on these sites is their chance to take a shot in an under-toned way to release their racial views.

                        Thanks guys, we hear you and we get it. Oh well!! Good job to the young man for deciding to join the elete world of L.E. Officers! We, (that includes me) welcome you. I know your brother is proud, and I hope good judgement, integrity and honesty will always be attached to your duty belt throughout your career! God bless you and your family.

                          #10.9 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:55 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          What a GREAT brother RONALD !

                          I hope you are happy in your new career, and thank you for adding to "OUR " protection :)

                          YOUR BROTHER is SMILING with PRIDE !

                          • 14 votes
                          Reply#11 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:24 AM EDT

                          Wow, now this kid is a real man. What a guy

                          • 13 votes
                          Reply#12 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:25 AM EDT

                          God bless this kid. I want thank him for his willingness to serve his community and hope that his time speant in law enforcement is safe and brings him some comfort.

                          • 9 votes
                          Reply#13 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:44 AM EDT

                          Just....speechless. Well done sir!

                          • 8 votes
                          Reply#14 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:48 AM EDT
                          Comment author avatarChucklehead-3641010Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                          Big deal. Seriously, why is this news?

                          • 2 votes
                          Reply#15 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:50 AM EDT

                          It's called a human interest story. It was interesting enough to get you to click it, read it and take the time to post, right? Why in the world am I trying to speak rationally to a person who calls themselves "chucklehead?!"

                          • 6 votes
                          #15.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:00 AM EDT

                          We need more news like this.....We have become so use to all the violence in the news that people like you think this is a waste of space....We need to hear more GOOD in the news and not always violence,sex,and drugs.. More human interest stories would be great...But sad to say we don't hear of them because it does't line the pockets of people like MSNBC and all the other news organisations......But that just my opinion....

                          • 2 votes
                          #15.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:17 AM EDT

                          Why is this news?? I guess for the same reason, the doctor asked your mother "Why didn't you kill this one, like the others?" Yet, you lived and this is what she has given to society, the dumb bitch.

                          Your father told her to kill it before it grows, but no here you are. May you need a police officer one day, and may they get their just in time to pronounce you dead at the scene.

                          • 2 votes
                          #15.3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:31 AM EDT

                          You have made my day Mrs. Officer. Very well said. LMAO!!!!

                            #15.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:54 AM EDT

                            @Chucklehead-3641010

                            Probably the same reason why your comment isn't.

                              #15.5 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:25 PM EDT

                              May you need a police officer one day, and may they get their just in time to pronounce you dead at the scene.

                              And likewise, May you get a call late at night.................

                                #15.6 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:38 PM EDT

                                lol Cant believe the morons here if they didnt pronouce dead with your mentality i know what you would do

                                  #15.7 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:56 PM EDT
                                  Reply

                                  It's beautiful to see the virtue of honor in someone coming from a tragedy.

                                  • 11 votes
                                  Reply#16 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:51 AM EDT

                                  “I became a law enforcement officer so that no one else has to go through that pain and agony that I’ve been through.”

                                  I do believe he must be superman!

                                  • 8 votes
                                  Reply#17 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 10:56 AM EDT

                                  What a good brother. Be safe in your career, and the 1 thing I hope for you, which would be a great ending to this story is you become the arresting officer of the scumbag who killed your brother!

                                  Make sure when you put the cuffs on,, theyre nice and tight, and oops he must have tripped and thats how he got his face all cut up.

                                  • 2 votes
                                  Reply#18 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:02 AM EDT

                                  @Freedom..........And why not stick a night stick up their ass too while their at it, sicko!

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #18.1 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:38 AM EDT

                                  Freedom4all... He's doing the Will of God, protecting and serving His people. The Lord hates violence. He bring justice non violently and mercy and forgiveness to ALL!!

                                  • 1 vote
                                  #18.2 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:04 PM EDT

                                  i think you mean a screen test. nothing shuts up a mouthy scumbag quicker than a screen test.

                                    #18.3 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:39 PM EDT

                                    @4everphillyfan

                                    He's doing the Will of God, protecting and serving His people. The Lord hates violence. He bring justice non violently and mercy and forgiveness to ALL!!

                                    Really? Then why all this talk from the religious right about hell? Why would a non-violent, merciful God make you burn in hell for all eternity. Sounds more violent than anybody here on earth, except maybe a few...

                                    • 2 votes
                                    #18.4 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 12:59 PM EDT
                                    Reply

                                    I agree with alan-2014309. This kid is a man and the he!! with all the negatives on here. He has the courage and fortitude to do something to make his community proud and to make himself a productive member of society. Hang in there and do job well.

                                    • 4 votes
                                    Reply#19 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:03 AM EDT

                                    Good for you kid.

                                    • 1 vote
                                    Reply#20 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:07 AM EDT

                                    The best to you Ron I hope you can help prevent more family tragedies like yours from happening to others and be a mentor and someone to look up to by other young kids around you.

                                    • 3 votes
                                    Reply#21 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:13 AM EDT

                                    What a great story- very cool!

                                    • 2 votes
                                    Reply#22 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:14 AM EDT

                                    .

                                      Reply#23 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:25 AM EDT

                                      good luck page, god bless u

                                        Reply#24 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:26 AM EDT

                                        May God Bless you and your family! In an era where too many young people are being raised to be self-absorbed and self-serving, it is refreshing to read about a young man who wants to commit himself to doing good for others.

                                        To the trolls out there who have nothing worthwhile to say, I feel sorry for you and your lousy attitudes.

                                        • 2 votes
                                        Reply#25 - Fri Jul 13, 2012 11:29 AM EDT
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