​Council Rock Achieve Students Honor Memory of Fallen Temple Officer

RICHBORO, PA — Students in Council Rock's ACHIEVE program on Thursday donated a blue and white memorial wreath for the funeral service of fallen Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald.

Officer Fitzgerald was shot to death on Feb. 18 near the Temple University campus in Philadelphia.

“On behalf of the students at ACHIEVE, please accept this wreath donated by Fireside Flowers to take with you in the funeral procession,” two ACHIEVE students said as they presented the wreath to members of the police department.

"We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity,” said Chief Steven LeCompte in accepting the wreath from the students. “We’re going to take this wreath tonight to the funeral home. It will also be taken to the larger service on Friday.”

Photo by Jeff Werner

The students were joined at the event by members of the school district’s administration, their teachers, community leaders and a large turnout of Northampton Township police officers.

The wreath, decorated in blue and white carnations, daisies and baby’s breath surrounding a photo of Officer Fitzgerald, included a message from the students: “With love, the Council Rock ACHIEVE students.”

(Photo Courtesy of the Northampton Township Police Department)

Wendy Lauch, a teacher with ACHIEVE, a transition program for district students ages 18 to 21, said it was an honor to be able to present the wreath to the local officers, many of whom often stop by the center’s Starboro Cafe for a cup of coffee and have built up a strong relationship with the school.

Lauch also thanked Fireside for the beautiful donation.

“They did an amazing job. It’s gorgeous,” said Lauch of the wreath. “This is a great tribute for our officers to be able to take this to the funeral.”

Photo by Jeff Werner

“We are really touched,” said LeCompte. “This wreath will be displayed in recognition of Officer Fitzgerald’s service and his sacrifice. People need to recognize what these officers go through and the risk that they place themselves in just performing their duties.”

According to LeCompte, at least eight officers from Northampton were scheduled to travel to Philadelphia with the Bucks County contingent on Friday to pay their respects.

After visiting the Star School and stopping at Fireside to express their thanks, the officers attended Saint Katharine Drexel where they participated in a prayer for Active and Fallen Officers.

“We would like to thank Council Rock School District and Saint Katharine Drexel for the continued support and close relationship that we share,” said the officers in a Facebook posting.