As investigators continue to search for those responsible for the murder of Police officer Moses Walker Jr., Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey sat down with NBC10 to speak on the violence that has taken its toll on both Philadelphia and its police department.
“230 homicides so far this year,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “That’s ridiculous that we have so many people being slaughtered on the streets of our city. This happened to be a police officer. But it could have been anybody who would have been there at that given moment and time. We have some very violent criminals out here that will not hesitate to take your life.”
Ramsey says Officer Walker’s death is the latest example of how the violence has impacted the police force.
“I’ve been here a little more than four and a half years and I’ve had seven officers so far killed in the line of duty,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “That’s an awful lot in a short period of time.”
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Ramsey says Officer Walker’s murder hit especially close to home since he knew the man personally.
“As soon as I got to the hospital and actually saw him I realized I had encountered him on several occasions,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “He was a very upbeat individual, very religious person and someone who often brought sunshine to people.”
Ramsey also had a special message to the families of the many victims of the citywide violence.
“To all of those families this year and previous years that have lost loved ones, we will do everything we can to bring you some sense of closure,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “Although that’s a hole that can never be filled no matter what.”
The Police Department is offering counseling for officers to help them cope with the recent police officer deaths.
