LAPD OFFERS SUPPORT FOR POW'S MOTHER.

Byline: Rick Orlov and Lisa Van Proyen Daily News Staff Writers

Just hours after Vivian Ramirez learned efforts to free her POW son Staff Sgt. Andrew Ramirez had failed Friday, she accepted solace and encouragement from Los Angeles police officers.

During an emotional ceremony at Parker Center, Ramirez and her other son, Los Angeles police Detective Steven Ramirez, were given posters bearing Andrew's picture under the heading ``Our American Hero'' and signed by officers from the 18 police divisions.

``I almost feel on top of the world. I will feel on top of the world when my son comes home,'' Vivian Ramirez said, trying to hold back tears.

``I'm sorry; it's been a trying day today not hearing any news.''

After receiving the posters, Steven Ramirez, a detective in the Van Nuys Division, also offered his appreciation to his colleagues for their support.

``Hopefully, soon he will be home,'' he said.

``I'd first like to thank everybody. I'd especially like to thank the people of the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Department, especially the wonderful people at Van Nuys.''

The presentation to the family was made to show the support the LAPD has for its members and their family, Police Chief Bernard C. Parks said.

``We have been trying to figure out what we could do to show our support,'' Parks said. ``We thought of wearing yellow ribbons, but then decided to show all the support that Andrew has.''

In Ramirez's East Los Angeles neighborhood, other family members, friends and relatives said they were disappointed but not surprised that the three U.S. POWs captured by Serbian forces remained in custody.

Still, Rodriguez maintained that the NATO airstrikes should not halt. Oscar Rios, a friend and neighbor of Ramirez's, sees it differently.

``I'm upset myself. They're playing games with the U.S. If I was the president, I'd stop bombing and then get them out - and then start bombing again,'' the 45-year-old Rios said.

Another neighbor, Mike Lara, said he anticipated the move.

``I don't think it's any surprise. This guy doesn't have any compassion for human rights, so why would he be any different with the family or the POWs? It's his ace on the table, and he's going to play it,'' Lara said.

``I don't think it comes as a surprise to anybody. We're bombing his country and he's going to let go of some prisoners that he captured? I don't think so. It was too good to be true,'' Lara added.

Another Ramirez cousin, John Hernandez, 20, who lives two doors down from Andrew Ramirez's father's home, was more optimistic that the men will be released.

``We're just really worried right now. We don't know what's going to happen. We thought we had a chance. We thought he'd come home. We thought everything was going to go OK.''

The Associated Press contributed to this story.