Slain cop leaves behind four kids and a wife
The Temple University community has rallied to support the grieving family of a police officer shot dead over the weekend.
An ongoing fundraiser, started just a day ago, has already raised more than $336,000 to help the family of police officer Chris Fitzgerald. The Catholic father leaves behind a wife and four kids.
Law enforcement has charged 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer with fatally shooting Fitzgerald (pictured) during a robbery on Saturday night, CBS News reported.
Remembering and honoring our forever hero, Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald.
Officer Fitzgerald gave his life protecting the temple community and we are forever indebted to him. He valiantly served the temple community and the people of Philadelphia
EOW: 02/18/23 pic.twitter.com/5oRoxwxZPF
— Temple University Police Association (@officialTUPA) February 19, 2023
CBS News reported:
Investigators say Fitzgerald attempted to stop three people in a robbery just off Temple’s campus Saturday night.
Authorities say one of them disregarded Fitzgerald’s commands to stop.
Once Fitzgerald caught up, a fight broke out between him and Pfeffer, according to police. Pfeffer then took out a gun and shot Fitzgerald in the head.
Pfeffer then stood over Fitzgerald and fired several more shots into his face and head area, according to an affidavit.
“We are heartbroken. We are heartbroken tonight,” Temple University President Jason Wingard stated. “One of our beloved police officers at Temple University has lost his life tonight.”
TUPA members and temple community, we have started a memorial for our fallen officer on the 1700 block of W Montgomery Ave (at bouvier)
Please feel free to stop by, light candles, drop off flowers, and pay your respects. pic.twitter.com/2HszPzjI1b
— Temple University Police Association (@officialTUPA) February 19, 2023
Temple public safety chief Jennifer Griffin shared similar sentiments.
“We’re devastated at the loss of a Temple University police officer who was protecting and safeguarding our community when they were taken from us,” Griffin said, as reported by CBS News. “This is the first Temple University police officer killed who has lost their life in the line of duty.”
MORE: Students call for more campus security in face of Philadelphia crime
IMAGE: Temple University Police Association/Twitter
Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, MeWe, Rumble, Gab, Minds and Gettr.