Richard Mendez: Memorial services honor life, legacy of slain Philadelphia police officer
PHILADELPHIA - Officers, family and close friends gathered Monday and Tuesday to remember, and pay tribute to now Philadelphia Police Sgt. Richard Mendez, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month.
The 22-year veteran, who leaves behind a wife and daughter, was posthumously promoted to sergeant by Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford during a Words of Remembrance service Tuesday morning at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Mia Mendez, the slain officer's 19-year-old daughter, and Temple University student, also delivered a tear-jerking eulogy during the funeral service.
The late sergeant was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Huntingdon Valley. Flags were also ordered to fly at half-staff for 30 days from the day of his passing.
Mendez was just three days shy of celebrating 23 years as a member of the force when he was shot and killed while attempting to intervene in a car break-in at Philadelphia International Airport with Officer Raul Ortiz.
Police say a suspect opened fire on the officers, hitting Mendez multiple times in the torso, and Ortiz in the arm. Both were rushed to nearby hospitals where Mendez was pronounced dead.
Officers lined up Monday afternoon to walk from Archbishop Ryan High School to John F. Givinsh Life Celebration Home where crowds of mourners gathered for the first of two viewings.
Services continued early Tuesday morning as fellow officers escorted Mendez's casket to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and Paul for a second viewing followed by Words of Remembrance and a funeral mass, before laying him to rest at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Huntingdon Valley.
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FOX 29’s Shaynah Ferreira caught up with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge five president, John McNesby, to gauge the temperature of how Mendez’ closest colleagues are feeling amid the funeral services.
"We’re just making sure we get through today and tomorrow for the family and whatever they need and the officers out there on the street." said McNesby. "It’s stressful out there. We’re burying a cop."
The FOP president then describes how tough it’s been to lose a fellow officer.
"It’s just like losing a family member," McNesby continued. "I don’t know anyone who hasn’t lost a family member and in such a tragic way as this one and senseless way. It kind of hits home for us."
McNesby also mentioned Officer Ortiz who is still recovering from a gunshot wound during the same incident at PHL Airport.
"Don’t forget not only for Officer Mendez, but we have Officer Ortiz who is also battling getting back where he needs to be." said McNesby.