Mayor Michael Nutter issued a statement Sunday on the death of Officer Brian Lorenzo, a 23-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. Officer Lorenzo, a husband and father of three, was killed when he was hit by a car driving the wrong way on I-95, as he drove his motorcycle home from work, according to investigators.
Mayor Nutter's full statement:
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“For 23 years, Brian Lorenzo went to work every day putting his life on the line for Philadelphians. As a uniformed public servant, a member of the most professional municipal police force in the country, he gave his heart and soul to his job and to all of us. Early this morning, as he was on his way home on his Highway Patrol motorcycle, he was hit by a motorist driving the wrong way on I-95.
Our condolences and prayers go out to Linda, his wife of 25 years, their three children and Brian’s entire family, including his brother Manuel, who is a Philadelphia police officer in the 25th District, as they try to cope with the loss of Brian. As citizens of this great city, we will never forget the sacrifice that our police officers make every day nor will we forget Brian Lorenzo, a decorated officer who exemplified the very best qualities of law enforcement.
I ask all Philadelphians to reflect on Brian’s service, to remember him in their prayers and to share their thoughts and condolences with his wife and family and the thousands of Philadelphia police officers who ensure our safety each and every day and who have suffered a terrible loss.
I have ordered that all City flags be lowered to half-staff for the next 30 days in honor of our friend and great public servant, Brian Lorenzo.”
Lorenzo, 48, was born in the Bronx, N.Y. and moved to Philadelphia with his family in his elementary school years. He graduated from Frankford High School and married his high school sweetheart, Linda. Prior to joining the Philadelphia Police Department, Lorenzo worked for a sheet metal company.
After completing his rigorous police academy training, Lorenzo was assigned to the 25th Police District where he served for eight years. For the last 15 years, he has been a highly decorated member of the department’s Highway Patrol.
Lorenzo garnered five commendations of merit for superior police work demonstrating “special initiative and perseverance in the performance of police duties,” according to the departmental director No. 1. He also received four commissioner’s letters extolling his work as well as numerous commendatory letters from the public.
After visiting with Officer Lorenzo’s family earlier today, Mayor Nutter asked the Philadelphia Phillies to honor the fallen police officer with a moment of silence. Prior to the start of today’s game, the Phillies announced the passing of Officer Lorenzo, displayed his photo on the giant screen and the capacity crowd fell silent in honor of Lorenzo, his wife and family.
“I want to thank all of the Philadelphia Phillies for once again showing what an exemplary corporate citizen the organization is,” said Mayor Nutter. “They provided us an opportunity at the stadium and across the entire Philadelphia region for a solemn moment of silence to recall a dedicated public servant.”
