PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A plaque dedicated to fallen Temple University Police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald was revealed to his family, friends and fellow officers Sunday — exactly one year after he was killed in the line of duty.
The plaque, which will hang in the Temple University Campus Police building, was unveiled at a dedication ceremony at Sullivan Hall. It includes Fitzgerald’s badge and a patch from his uniform. The inscription reads, in part:
"In recognition of his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the Temple University community and the citizens of Philadelphia."
Family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers came to campus to honor Fitzgerald’s memory. It was an emotional moment for everyone in attendance.
“Today is a year, but it feels like it happened yesterday,” his wife Marissa said through tears.
“Seeing everybody here, it shows you how much that Christopher was loved,” Marissa said. She thanked everyone for their support through the difficult year and vowed to keep Fitzgerald’s name and legacy alive by continuing to fight for justice.
“It is because of him that we are resilient, because he taught us that. And he taught us to never give up, no matter how hard that fight is.”
On Feb. 18, 2023, the 31-year-old Temple police officer was fatally shot near 17th Street and West Montgomery Avenue in North Philadelphia, near campus, while he was on the job.
Days after Fitzgerald’s death, Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer Griffin posthumously promoted him from officer to sergeant.
Later, in June, a section of West Montgomery Avenue, between 17th and 18th streets, was renamed “Christopher Fitzgerald Way.”
After the dedication ceremony on Sunday, the university’s Department of Public Safety privately unveiled a memorial wall for Fitzgerald’s family.