Slain Temple Cop Remembered As Dedicated Father, Husband, Officer

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia region is mourning the loss of a young Temple University Police officer and father of four who was shot and killed over the weekend.

Christopher Fitzgerald, 31, died after he was shot while attempting to intervene in a carjacking Saturday evening on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue.

Miles Pfeffer, 18, of Bucks County has been charged with murder, robbery, carjacking, and numerous other offenses. Pfeffer is ineligible for release on bail, authorities said.

Fitzgerald's friends, family, and colleagues are remembering him fondly after his untimely death.

Fitzgerald began his law enforcement career when he was just 19 years old in a correctional setting, NBC10 reports. He joined Temple University Police after serving as a member of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office from May 2019 through October 2021.

"My husband was a very good man and a very good father," his wife Marissa told Action News. "A very great son, a very good brother and it's a shame he was just taken like he was an animal in the street."

Fitzgerald was the father of four, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support Marissa and the Fitzgerald family.

"Officer Fitzgerald loved being a police officer, and he will always be remembered for his fearlessness in fighting crime and his compassion for his community," the page reads.

As of Tuesday morning, nearly $350,000 has been generated by the campaign. See here to contribute.

And the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of the Police Lodge 5 is hosting a fundraiser for the Fitzgerald family Thursday at 11630 Caroline Road. Sales from shirts, domestic draft beers, and a buffet will benefit the family.

Barstool Sports is also supporting the Fitzgerald family by selling Temple University Police shirts for $30 each. All shirt sale proceeds will benefit the family, according to Barstool Sports.

One of Fitzgerald's friends, Joshua Perez, told Fox 29 that Fitzgerald was a "one of a kind" person who "wanted to make a difference in the community."

Temple University's Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer D. Griffin said Fitzgerald showed bravery and courage daily in serving the school community.

"Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community," she said. The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend."

The school is making resources available for those coping with Fitzgerald's death through Tuttleman Counseling Services at 215-204-7276, online here, or in person at 1700 N. Broad St.

Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal called Fitzgerald's death "senseless" and hailed him as a dedicated member of the local law enforcement community.

"This senseless death is a loss for all Philadelphians," she said. "Our condolences go out to his entire family, including his father, wife as well as his four children."

Fitzgerald's cousin Juan Marrero said he was the first Temple police officer ever to get killed on duty. "I just pray he's the first and last," he said in speaking to Action News.

"Simply, he was just the best," Temple University Police Officer Jeffrey McKee told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He was just a great police officer who advocated for a safer city that he grew up in."

Fitzgerald was involved in several community groups, including the running club Black Men Run Philly and the Swagga House Run Club, the Inquirer reports.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner called Fitzgerald a very important man during a news conference Tuesday.

Mayor Jim Kenney ordered the city's flags to half staff in honor of Fitzgerald's death.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Officer Christopher Fitzgerald and outraged by this and every senseless act of violence in our city," Kenney said. "Our prayers are with Officer Fitzgerald's family, loved ones, and colleagues. We are grateful for his service and heartbroken by this loss."

Additionally, Governor Josh Shapiro ordered United States and commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the state to fly at half-staff in honor of Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald's viewings will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at John F. Givnish Funeral Home, 10975 Academy Road, and from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 1723 Race St.

His service will take place immediately after Friday's viewing at the cathedral.

He will be interred at Forest Hills Cemetery, 101 Byberry Road in Huntingdon Valley, after the service.