PHILADELPHIA – Friday saw a community gathering in Philadelphia for a benediction to a fallen hero. Police loved ones, and members of the public are paying tribute to Christopher Fitzgerald, a Temple University police officer who was killed while on duty last Saturday night, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Just after 7 a.m., the procession arrived at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, located at 1723 Race Street in Center City. There was a viewing there from 8 to 11:30.
In the opening of his eulogy, Governor Josh Shapiro expressed the state’s condolences to Fitzgerald’s family. At noon, the funeral will begin. There will likely be a sizable crowd at the funeral, including officers from all throughout the Delaware Valley.
Fitzgerald was more than just a committed member of the police force. Many others will miss him as a spouse and father of four children. Fitzgerald was assassinated in North Philadelphia, not far from Temple University’s campus, at the intersection of 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue. According to investigators, 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer shot him while he was attempting to halt a robbery. Pfeffer is accused of murder as well as other felonies.
Hundreds gathered Thursday night at John F. Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philadelphia for Fitzgerald’s viewing.
READ MORE: Former SUSD Superintendent, longtime Valley educator Dr. John Kriekard has passed away
