Fallen Philly Cop Honored With Beautiful Digital Painting

PHILADLEPHIA, PA -- A forensic graphic artist with the Philadelphia Police Department created something beautiful to honor a fallen officer.

March 5 marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of Sgt. Robert Wilson, a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty, the department said.

Wilson was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his bravery.

To make sure Wilson’s memory lived on in perpetuity, Officer Jonny Castro, the department’s newest forensic graphic artist, created the digital image.

Wilson had been conducting a security check of GameStop store on 2101 West Lehigh Avenue in March, 2015, along with his partner, Officer Damien Stevenson, according to his Medal of Honor citation.

While Wilson was inside and Stevenson was in the car, two armed assailants came in and announced a robbery.

As soon as they saw Wilson, they opened fire.

Wilson was hit several times, but, “fearing for the safety of the store patrons and despite being hit several times, returned fire and engaged in a fierce gun battle with the perpetrators,” his citation states.

Stevenson came inside when he heard the shots, firing upon and disabling one of the assailants. The other was arrested when additional officers arrived on the scene.

Wilson was taken to Temple Hospital, where he passed away.

“(Wilson’s) bravery and dedication to service, as well as to the citizens of Philadelphia is an inspiration to us all and will not be forgotten,” the citation states.

Image courtesy Philadelphia Police Department.