Slain Philadelphia police officer remembered at church service
NORTH PHILADELPHIA -- Worshipers united Sunday morning to help the family of slain Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III.
During the 10:00 a.m. mass at Saint Martin De Porres Church on the 2300 block of West Lehigh Avenue, the priest and parish embraced Philadelphia police who lined the back pew.
Sunday's mass honored slain 22nd district officer Robert Wilson killed Thursday after he was shot during an attempted robbery.
"Those who asked why we're doing this today, my response is very simply, why not?" Father Stephen Thorne said.
The crime happened at the GameStop at 21st and Lehigh.
PHOTOS: Philadelphia police officer killed during attempted robbery
Wilson was in uniform inside buying a birthday present for one of his two sons.
Police say the armed men opened fire and Wilson exchanged shots, but was fatally wounded.
One of the collections taken at the service was for Wilson's sons, ages 1 and 9.
Though Officer Wilson was not a member of this parish, the crime occurred just down the street. Thorne says the 22nd and 39th districts are a vital part of their community and they want the Wilson family and the officer's police family to know they are here for them.
"We're down the street from what happened," he said. "It's only right that we would remember our community, our neighborhood, a person who passed too many times to defend our streets. We lift up his soul today, we lift up his family, his sons especially, and also, we stand against violence."
A prayer vigil was held Saturday at the 22nd district and another vigil is planned for Monday by an organization where Wilson volunteered to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving.
AUDIO: Police radio of Ofc. Wilson shooting
Members of the Philadelphia Police Department have also established a trust fund for Wilson's family.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so in person at the following
PFFCU branches:
901 Arch Street
7604 City Avenue
8500 Henry Avenue
Leo Mall, Byberry and Bustleton Avenue
7500 Castor Avenue
3300 Grant Avenue
Or by mailing a check payable to:
The Robert Wilson III Family Memorial Trust Fund
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia PA, 19107
