Philly post office to bear name of fallen Temple officer

President Biden signed a bill renaming a Bustleton post office after Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald, honoring his service and sacrifice.

A fallen Temple University police officer’s legacy will be permanently honored in Northeast Philadelphia through the dedication of a local post office in his name. The move is part of ongoing efforts to commemorate Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald’s ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty last year.

Behind the Bustleton post office’s new name

Through legislation signed by President Joe Biden, the Bustleton post office, located near Red Lion Road and Bustleton Avenue, will be renamed to memorialize Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald. U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle, who championed the initiative, made the announcement in November.

“Naming this post office in Sergeant Fitzgerald’s honor will ensure that his legacy of service and sacrifice endures for generations to come, and serves as a lasting tribute to his profound impact on our community,” Boyle stated in the official press release.

A life of service cut short

Fitzgerald, a 31-year-old father of four, lost his life on February 18, 2023, while responding to an incident near Temple’s campus. The fatal shooting occurred at 17th Street near Montgomery Avenue, a location that has since been renamed Christopher Fitzgerald Way in his memory.

Before joining the Temple University Police Department in October 2021, Fitzgerald followed in his parents’ law enforcement footsteps, serving as a police officer in Texas and a corrections officer in Lehigh County. His death marked the first time a Temple police officer was killed while serving.

Recent developments

The post office dedication comes amid recent developments in the case, as the suspect accused of Fitzgerald’s murder was reportedly stabbed multiple times at a correctional facility on November 21. Earlier this year, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced his office would not pursue the death penalty in the case.

Speaking on the House floor in June, Representative Boyle emphasized the significance of the dedication: “When people walk down Christopher Fitzgerald Way or pass by the Post Office on Bustleton Avenue, they will be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice Sergeant Fitzgerald gave to the city of Philadelphia.”

Following his death, Temple University’s Vice President of Public Safety Jennifer Griffin posthumously promoted Fitzgerald to sergeant, further honoring his service and dedication to the community.

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This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Keystone staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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