Members of the community gathered Monday evening outside the store where a Philadelphia Police officer died while protecting the public.
A public vigil took place at 6 p.m. in front of the GameStop at Hope Plaza on W Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia. That store -- where a makeshift vigil sits -- is where Officer Robert Wilson III gave his life in a gun battle with armed robbers.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said Wilson, an 8-year veteran from the 22nd District, "redefined what hero is all about" by his actions to protect others when the gunmen opened fire with their semiautomatics.
"He stepped away from the counter, there were civilians there ... he stepped away so that the shots weren't going directly at them," said Ramsey. "He was actually being hit during the exchange of gunfire but he continued to fight."
That heroism touched many people in the community and prompted Monday's vigil by a community organization One Day at a Time where Wilson volunteered.
"He was from this community and his kids and they're suffering today," said Mel Wells, who runs One Day at a Time. "Especially his son. I don't like saying it on this day. But I have to say it for him. Happy Birthday and I'm sorry."
Wilson's oldest son turned 10-years-old Monday. Counselors as well as Commissioner Charles Ramsey were by his side throughout the day. Wilson also had a 1-year-old son.
Different police groups also put together fundraisers to make sure Wilson's children are taken care of.
The Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 5 set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Wilson's children. By Monday night, the fundraiser already raised nearly half of the $10,000 goal.
Donations for the Officer Robert Wilson III Family Memorial Trust Fund can also be made in person at the following Police and Fire Federal Credit Union locations:
- 901 Arch Street
- 7604 City Avenue
- 8500 Henry Avenue
- Leo Mall, Byberry and Bustleton Avenue
- 7500 Castor Avenue
- 3300 Grant Avenue
Checks can be mailed and made payable to:
The Robert Wilson III Family Memorial Trust Fund
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
901 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA, 19107
Radnor Police also announced they would hold a toy drive for Wilson's kids.
Brothers Carlton Hipps, 30, and Ramone Williams, 26, are charged in Wilson's murder.
