Christopher Fitzgerald Way: Temple University block renamed after sergeant killed in line of duty
PHILADELPHIA - Fallen Temple police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald was memorialized Thursday with the renaming of a North Philadelphia street where he tragically lost his life in the line of duty.
Sgt. Fitzgerald was shot and killed on the 1700 block of Montgomery Avenue in February during a foot chase and struggle with a suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer.
Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old husband and father of five children, was the first member of Temple University's police department to be killed in the line of duty.
Less than four months later, Marissa Fitzgerald is still coming to terms with the unimaginable loss of her husband and trying to keep his memory alive.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- Outpouring of support follows tragic shooting death of Temple officer: 'The community loved Chris'
- 'Chris is a hero': Family, friends mourn Temple University officer killed in the line of duty
- Philadelphia police officer sketches portrait of Temple officer killed protecting community
- Widow of slain Temple police officer shares emotional tribute to husband at vigil: 'His legacy will live on'
- Slain Temple police officer was supposed to pickup son the night he was shot, mother says
"He keeps telling me ‘fight, babe, keep fighting’ and that's what I promise to do," Marissa told FOX 29. "I cannot let his memory die, I won't, he did not deserve to die on that street the way he did."
Fellow Temple University police officer Leroy Wimberly helped collect 1000 signatures in under a week to get the 1700 block of Montgomery Avenue renamed after Sgt. Fitzgerald.
"The impact that he had on people, the commitment, his tenacity, when it was taken from us something had to be done in his remembrance," Officer Wimberly said.
Thursday's ceremony drew hundreds of police officers from several departments, as well as state and city leaders like Mayor Jim Kenney and Josh Shapiro.