My heart breaks. My school grieves. My city mourns.
We attended a vigil at The Bell Tower on campus for murdered Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald on Tuesday afternoon. So did thousands of Temple students, faculty, staff, employees, and people from the North Philly neighborhood that is TU.
?People assembled quietly, sitting on the lawns and benches, crowding the walkways in all directions, thousands of silent sentries. When they saw the family arrive followed by Temple Police officers, respectfully they stood, and silently watched Officer Fitzpatrick’s little girl cry.?
?Then a young man jumped onto the stage waving a sign with an anti-police message. He was immediately tackled by two teenage family members. Order was restored, and the boys, crying uncontrollably, were led to the rear of the tent where we were. A tall man appeared, touched their shoulders, “You mustn’t give in to them, that’s what they want, don’t give it to them. We know better.” It was Officer Fitzgerald’s father.
?Marissa Fitzgerald, speaking through the rawest grief I have witnessed told of her husband’s love of his job, his passion to protect others, his loyalty to Temple, and the joy he found in his family.
?Officer Christopher’s parents are police officers. Taking the podium, his father looked out at the thousands of students, standing to honor his son’s sacrifice to protect them. “Chris did the right thing. Learn from it, please. You are the ones they are going to make the changes that need to be made. Take my son’s example and pay it forward in whatever city, state, or country you choose to live your lives. Do something good for someone.”
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Today, he will be laid to rest.
Officer Christopher David Fitzgerald leaves five children. He was 31 years old.
Lifelong Philadelphia citizen: born, bred, educated with my business and family in the city.
?A billboard has been erected on Route 130, 0.3 miles south of Routes 30, 38, and 70, in New Jersey, in honor of Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald. It's one of 50 to 100 expected to be installed around the region and the state by six outdoor advertising firms, including Interstate Outdoor Advertising driven by Temple University Trustee Drew Katz and his family. @templeuniversity #fallenhero
Owner, Looney balloons
1 年Thanks for sending that. So sad so unnecessary.!!!
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1 年Why are people not demanding Dr Wingard take a visible and active roll in campus safety. Why the alum silence? Why??
Networker Extraordinaire
2 年Thanks for sharing Jane. I was on Temple's campus the next day and was overwhelmed with sadness over this loss for our community.
Associate Professor of Instruction at Temple University, College of Public Health, Graduate Program Director, MS, PhD in Health Informatics
2 年“Do something good for someone”. The Fitzgerald family is inspiring.