In memory of Chris Fitzgerald, Officer of Temple University

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WPHL) – People gathered around the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia for the funeral and to see Temple University Police Sergeant Chris Fitzgerald.

Fallen Officer Fitzgerald was fatally shot Saturday, February 18 while chasing three people dressed in all black and wearing black face masks. Officer Fitzgerald was attempting to conduct a pedestrian investigation when the three suspects fled on foot.

At 7:12 p.m., Officer Fitzgerald went on the police radio to say he was walking the suspects on 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue.

Two of the male suspects were able to escape and go into hiding while the third suspect, Miles Pfeffer, continued to be pursued by Officer Fitzgerald. Police were able to recover surveillance video from the area showing Pfeffer pulling out a handgun and firing at Officer Fitzgerald.

Philadelphia authorities and Temple University executives gathered Tuesday afternoon to share details and address the shooting.

Miles Pfeffer, the suspect, was charged with murder, killing a police officer, evading arrest and related charges nearly 12 hours after the fatal shooting.

Officer Fitzgerald will be remembered as a family man and an officer with an amazing character and repertoire.

Hundreds of police officers, city officials and mourners gathered near the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday morning when a motorcade of police vehicles found Sgt. Fitzgerald’s body.

The tour started at 8:30 a.m. and was open to the public until 11:30 a.m