As the Philadelphia Police Department continues to mourn an officer who was killed in the line of duty, the city’s religious leaders are sending a message of love and appreciation in a time in which it’s needed the most.
“These are our brothers, sons and husbands,” said Reverend Carmen Marshall, of the Bright Hope Baptist Church. “These are our family members as well. When they’re hurting, we’re hurting.”
Ministers from all over Philadelphia came to the 22nd District Headquarters Sunday afternoon to pray for the officers and honor Officer Robert Wilson III. Wilson, who was a member of the 22nd District, was shot and killed Thursday inside a North Philly GameStop while picking up a video game for his son.
“It was just a very brutal slaying of a good officer who really went out day in and day out to do a good job,” said Reverend Dr. William Moore of the Tenth Memorial Baptist Church.
The show of support was one of many tributes Sunday for Officer Wilson, which included a Sunday mass in which thousands of dollars were raised for his two sons. Yet in addition to honoring Wilson, the pastors also wanted to show their love for his fellow officers.
“We want them to know that if they need that time to kind of decompress, to let out those emotions, to let out those concerns, that we’re here for them,” said Reverend Michael Robinson of the Greater Enon Missionary Baptist Church.
The pastors applauded the 22nd District officers while thanking them for their service. They also assured them that they were standing with them in solidarity.
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“They’re not alone,” said 22nd District Police Chaplain Emeritus Reverend Dr. William M. James. “They have the love and support of the community. We realize that we need them and they need us.”
The pastors told NBC10 their support is especially important, considering the fact that the officers still have to put their lives on the line despite the tremendous pain they’re feeling.
“They still have to come out here in the dangerous streets and deal with the things that come up,” Reverend Robinson said. “They have to still press through this. That’s why I’m so encouraged by what I saw in that room today.”
