NEW YORK (WABC) -- The children of a late NYPD officer are following in their father's footsteps.

Officer Manuel Jimenez died from cancer in 2001. His son, who is now a police captain, welcomed his sister onto the force on Wednesday and the proud family is ready to continue another tradition on Sunday at the National Dominican Day Parade .

"It was surreal, it was one of the best days of my life to date," said Officer Ashley Jimenez.

Jimenez, assigned to the 52nd Precinct, graduated from the police academy on Wednesday.

She had been writing her own story - until now.

"I was actually a journalist for about 10 years, but there was always something in the back of my mind," she said.

Her father died almost 25 years ago of stomach cancer. The 10-year veteran was only 31 years old.

"It

See Full Page