Phila. police honor slain officer
It was a scene befitting a man whom everyone remembered by his smile. Saturday afternoon outside North Philadelphia's 22nd District headquarters, police officers lined up, clasping in their hands slender ribbons tied to yellow and green balloons.
It was a scene befitting a man whom everyone remembered by his smile.
Saturday afternoon outside North Philadelphia's 22nd District headquarters, police officers lined up, clasping in their hands slender ribbons tied to yellow and green balloons.
The deal with the colors?
Capt. Robert Glenn, commanding officer, said the person in whose name they gathered had been a Green Bay Packers fan - "unfortunately."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
But they all knew why they were there.
"We'd like to release these balloons," Glenn said, "in remembrance of our fallen hero, Sgt. Robert Wilson III."
One year ago Saturday, Wilson, 30, was gunned down during an alleged robbery attempt at a GameStop in North Philadelphia. On patrol, he had stopped in to buy a game for one of his sons.
Brothers Ramone Williams, 25, and Carlton Hipps, 30, of Brewerytown, await trial on murder, robbery, conspiracy, and related charges.
On Saturday, officials including Mayor Kenney, Police Commissioner Richard Ross Jr., District Attorney Seth Williams, and Fraternal Order of Police president John McNesby came to offer their respects.
Kenney said that Wilson, who gave his life trying to keep others safe, "had all the greatest love in the world in his heart."
Ross called on all present to "remember his smile." He urged Wilson's fellow officers to "honor his memory with your service."
Police Officer James Samuel, a friend, recalled Wilson's smile as well. "That positive attitude rubbed off on me and actually made me become a better person," Samuel said. "I learned to let a lot of stuff go."
The memory of other officers who gave their lives was close at hand. To his brothers and sisters in service, Samuel had this wish: "Go home safe at night."
And then it was time. Just a few yards from a mural "To serve and protect," hands opened. Spheres of yellow and green floated higher and higher.
The few clouds seemed to part, until all there was to meet the balloons on their upward journey was endless blue.
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