Mourners gather at viewing for Temple police Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald

PHILADELPHIA - Mourners from across the Delaware Valley gathered in Philadelphia on Thursday to honor a fallen Temple University police officer killed in the line of duty nearly a week ago. 

Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old husband and father of five children, was on patrol alone when he came across three masked suspects and made efforts to apprehend them near 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue in North Philadelphia. Two suspects, ages 16 and 17, hid as the officer pursued the 18-year-old suspect in an area that has seen an uptick in robberies and crime. 

During a struggle with the suspect, later identified as Miles Pfeffer, Fitzgerald was shot several times. Authorities say Pfeffer then shot the officer three more times as he laid on the ground. 

A motorcade of police vehicles escorted Sgt. Fitzgerald's widow Marissa and family members to Thursday's viewing. They were then escorted in surrounded by a crowd of officers from different law enforcement agencies, while Philadelphia police officers arrived with flashing lights to honor Sgt. Fitgerald. 

"Enough is enough, we all have to worry about coming home, we all got family, friends, parents," Joey Dee Reddick from 369 Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club said at Thursday night's service.

The memorial card handed out on Thursday night reflected Fitzgerald's posthumous promotion to sergeant by Temple's police department. The university also announced it will cover the cost of Sgt. Fitzgerald's funeral and offered to pay for his children's tuition if they attend Temple. 

A long line of law enforcement officers from Philadelphia and outside the city came to pay their respects to Sgt. Fitzgerald, who is described by family as ‘god-fearing’ and a dedicated father. 

"I had to come out because I have a lot of friends that are in law enforcement and this is your worst nightmare," Tonya Johns said. "I wish I could see his wife because I just want to wrap my arms around her."

A second viewing and funeral will be held on Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Basillica of Saints Peter and Paul. 

Police say several road closures will be in effect to accommodate the large number of mourners gathering to honor Fitzgerald. 

On Friday morning, the inner lanes of the Parkway will be restricted beginning at 6 a.m. 

The areas between 16th and 20th Streets and from Vine to Arch Streets will be restricted from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.