Vigil held one year after Officer Robert Wilson III was killed in the line of duty
PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - One year ago today, Philadelphia Police officer Robert Wilson was killed during a robbery attempt while buying a game for his son's birthday.
Shortly after Wilson's murder, then police commissioner Charles Ramsey said the surveillance tape of the deadly ambush showed an act of bravery by Wilson like he'd never seen before.
Today, former colleagues and loved ones gathered for a vigil in his honor.
The vigil was a mix of emotions.
Many gathered to celebrate Sergeant Wilson's life and to remember his smile and dedication to the job.
But also a lot of tears were shed.
It was an emotional moment as those gathered released balloons in memory of Sergeant Wilson during the vigil outside the 22nd police district.
The vigil was held today because it was March 5 last year that Sergeant Wilson was gunned down protecting customers in a game stop from two men trying to hold up the North Philly store.
As his fellow officers in blue stood in formation, city leaders gave words of comfort.
Sergeant Wilson's sister, Shakira Wilson-Burroughs spoke tearfully about her brother's commitment to the job and the dedication of other Philadelphia Police.
"For everything that is going on as I said before he was a man behind a uniform... he chose profession, he chose to make the decision to be a police officer to protect. And these officers, including him, they're people, lives are precious and these people that decide they just want to take lives... it's just beyond."
Sergeant Wilson's sister went to say they have gained a family.
Following the vigil, a gathering of family and friends happened inside the 22nd district.
A pre-trial hearing is set for later this month for the two brothers accused in the killing of Sergeant Wilson.
Prosecutors say Carlton Hipps and Ramone Williams fired several shots inside that Game Stop.
Hipps was shot in the leg by Wilson's partner as he tried to get away.
Williams was caught inside the store.