Church In North Philadelphia Holds Special Mass To Honor Fallen Police Officer
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police officer Robert Wilson III died in the line of duty on Thursday, and today, a church in the neighborhood where he was killed held a special mass in his honor.
Parishioners at Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 23rd Street and Lehigh Avenue gave officers from the 22nd and 39th districts a standing ovation, thanking them for their service and paying gratitude and honor to Officer Wilson. They lit candles and offered special prayers, trying to make sense out of the senseless death of a father, son and protector.
"He was a servant of our community," said Father Stephen Thorn, pastor at the parish, "so we want to lift up his memory."
Father Thorn said the parish took up a special collection for Wilson's family, a token of appreciation for a man who protected their church and died in service to the community.
"We're hanging in there," said Wilson's grandmother, Constance. "We have our bad moments."
Wilson's family did not attend the service, but his grandmother said they are very grateful.
"It's very kind of him to think of him like that and to have them in their mind," she said "I think it's very nice."
Constance said the family will remember "Robbie" as a man who was loving father and always had a smile on his face.
Brothers Ramone Williams, 24, and Carlton Hipps, 29, have been charged with murder for shooting officer Wilson during a robbery at the GameStop at 22nd Street and Lehigh Avenue. Williams was arraigned on Saturday. Hipps is hospitalized, but is excepted to be arraigned soon.
