PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Law enforcement officers and members of the public on Wednesday paid their respects to a grieving family and said goodbye to a fallen Philadelphia police officer, 31-year-old Jaime Roman.
Dozens of officers conducted a Commander's March, following Roman’s family into Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philly. Then, throughout Wednesday evening, a line of mourners took turns offering their condolences.
Commissioner Kevin Bethel said it is never easy to say goodbye to a fellow officer.
“You know, I’m … a 61-year-old guy. When I look at Jaime, he’s my son. He’s 31 years old. These are my children now. There was a time when they were my colleagues, and now they’re my children, and so it’s gotten harder now,” Bethel said.
“His death will not be in vain. We will continue to push forward. I’m proud of the resilience of the men and women in this police department. Despite all the odds, they continue to stay strong.”
Roman had been with the force for nearly seven years. He leaves behind a wife, two children, his parents, and two sisters.
On June 22, investigators say, Roman was shot in the neck during a traffic stop in Kensington. He was put on life support but died from his injuries on Sept. 10.
“Jaime spent almost three months battling, and I was there through most of that, with the family, getting to know the family, getting to meet his children, getting to understand who he was as an individual,” Bethel said.
“And so it’s just our duty. So it’s my honor to be leading this organization, and the men and women who work alongside me. But today, tonight, and tomorrow is about Jaime and his family.”
Roman’s body will be moved to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Thursday morning before the funeral. Members of the public can pay their respects there between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursday morning. Roman’s funeral will follow at noon.