Philadelphia Police gathered Friday afternoon for an emotional procession and viewing as they remembered a fallen hero.
Gunmen struck down Officer Robert Wilson III during a botched robbery attempt last week, said Philadelphia Police.
On Friday officers who knew the 22nd District officer, those that didn't know the officer and the general public stopped to remember the officer characterized as a hero by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.
Ahead of Friday night's viewing at Francis Funeral Home at 5201 Whitby Ave. in West Philadelphia. Members of the 22nd District and other Philly officers gathered nearby for a silent procession to the funeral home where the viewing was held.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly were among the hundreds of mourners who paid their respects Friday.
"These are two days that I certainly am not looking forward to," said Ramsey outside the viewing.
Funeral services for Wilson will be held Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at the University of Pennsylvania Palestra on S 33rd St. in University City following a viewing starting at 7 a.m.
Mourners are also invited to the viewings and funeral.
The 30-year-old father of two young boys died during a robbery attempt at a GameStop at Hope Plaza Shopping Center on Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia last Thursday.
Wilson was in full uniform when brothers Carlton Hipps, 30, and Ramone Williams, 26, entered the GameStop store inside and announced the robbery, subsequently sparking a "fierce and violent" gun battle that ended with the officer being shot in the head and killed, said Homicide Capt. Darrell Clark.
"They were both firing at him," said Ramsey. "He was actually being hit during the exchange of gunfire but he continued to fight, continued to shoot until the fatal wound was fired and it brought him down."
Williams and Hipps are charged with his murder.
