Temple University Police officer Chris Fitzgerald funeral: Time, venue, schedule of the service in Philadelphia and who is attending?

Chris Fitzgerald, Temple University police officer, who was fatally shot while chasing a suspect, identified as Miles Pfefferm, last week will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The funeral will start at 12 PM local time at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on 1723 Race Street in Center City. All Fitzgerald’s near and dear ones are expected to attend the service.

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Philadelphia came together Friday for a final tribute to officer Fitzgerald. A large turnout at the funeral is expected with police officials from throughout the Delaware Valley likely to attend.

Officer Fitzgerald was more than just a dedicated and proud law enforcement officer, He was a family man, husband, avid runner, and father of four children who will be missed by many.

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Fitzgerald was shot and killed at 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue in North Philadelphia, just off Temple University’s campus. He was trying to prevent a robbery when he was shot by 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer.

He has been charged with murder and other offenses.

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Hundreds gathered on Thursday night at John F Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philadelphia for Fitzgerald’s viewing.

The 31-year-old worked at the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department before transferring to the temple.

Fitzgerald was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant during the funeral. “Chris’ children deserve to have their daddy with them. It’s not fair. It is not how it’s supposed to be,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

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“He understood the needs of our city. That’s why he played with the kids on the block, why he started a run club to encourage young people to turn away from violence,” Shapiro said. “He had so much more to do, Chris did. His life was taken far too early. He had so much more to give, to do, to share with us,” he added.

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Fitzgerald’s brother said his impact on so many people will be remembered.

The promotion to sergeant was a way to honor Fitzgerald’s dedicated service to the university, said Temple’s Vice President of Public Safety Jennifer Griffin.