Friends, Family Hold Candlelight Vigil For Slain Officer Brad Fox
By Todd Quinones
GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. (CBS) - As tribute, a police helicopter flew over Officer Brad Fox's home.
On the ground in front of his Gilbertsville home, fellow officers, family and neighbors gathered for a candlelight vigil.
"Officer's have been grieving. They feel it very deeply. They are hurting. Their wives are also hurting, and this is going to last for some time," Plymouth Twp. Chaplin Rev. Nicholas Salios said.
Friday would've been Officer Fox's 35th birthday.
His pregnant wife and young daughter were among the crowd when they sang happy birthday to the murdered K-9 officer.
"Talking to his family, talking to his mother and father, his brother and his wife - the comforts were that we are all one family and this doesn't end on Wednesday or Thursday. This continues for life," Plymouth Twp. Police Chief Joe Lawrence said.
The seven-year veteran of the Plymouth Township Police Department was gunned down Thursday night while chasing on foot, suspect 44-year-old Andrew Charles Thomas, who was wanted in connection to a hit-and-run accident.
Authorities say Thomas shot Officer Fox in the head, and grazed his K-9 partner Nick before fatally shooting himself in a wooded area just off Conshohocken Road.
For neighbors, the vigil was a chance to show respect for the marine who served two tours in Iraq.
"He deserves and demands the respect for serving our country and community," neighbor Steve Chamberlain said.
Details surrounding Officer Fox's funeral are set to be released Saturday.