Temple University Police Sergeant Honored at Vigil 3 Years After Fatal Shooting

Family, friends and colleagues gathered to remember Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald's life and legacy

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A vigil was held to honor Temple University Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald on the third anniversary of his death in the line of duty. Fitzgerald was shot and killed while responding to a robbery near the university's campus in 2023. The event brought together his loved ones, who shared memories and messages about the impact he had as a police officer, father and husband.

Why it matters

Sgt. Fitzgerald's death was a tragic loss for the Temple University community and the city of Philadelphia. The vigil allowed his family, friends and colleagues to come together to honor his memory and reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who protect their communities.

The details

The vigil was held at FOP Lodge 5 in Northeast Philadelphia, where Fitzgerald's wife Marissa, his former partner Jeffrey McKee, and his daughter Amber shared emotional tributes. Marissa Fitzgerald spoke about the pain of losing her husband and the resilience of their children, while McKee recalled Fitzgerald's dedication to his family and his work as a police officer. The event also included the sharing of a final text exchange between Fitzgerald and McKee just days before the fatal shooting.

  • The vigil was held on February 18, 2026 - three years after Sgt. Fitzgerald was killed in the line of duty.
  • Fitzgerald was shot and killed on February 14, 2023 while responding to a robbery near Temple University's campus.

The players

Christopher Fitzgerald

A sergeant with the Temple University Police Department who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2023.

Marissa Fitzgerald

The wife of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald, who spoke at the vigil about the pain of losing her husband and the resilience of their family.

Jeffrey McKee

Sgt. Fitzgerald's former police partner, who organized the vigil and shared memories of their close friendship.

Amber Fitzgerald

The daughter of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald, who sent a message to her father during the vigil expressing her love and that he is watching over the family.

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What they’re saying

“This day will forever haunt me and it will forever haunt our family. It is the day I had to tell my babies their father was never coming home.”

— Marissa Fitzgerald, Wife of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald (fox29.com)

“I look at each and every one of my babies. Can't say how proud I am to see how resilient you are. We have our days, but God gives us the strength to keep on going.”

— Marissa Fitzgerald, Wife of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald (fox29.com)

“It kind of chokes me up. You just see the impact he left on a lot of people.”

— Jeffrey McKee, Former partner of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald (fox29.com)

“He was just an overall amazing person, between being a father, husband. He always talked about his family. Family came first, but he loved being a police officer too.”

— Jeffrey McKee, Former partner of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald (fox29.com)

“I know it's been three years but I just wanted to let you know I love you. I wanted to let you know you might not be here on earth, but you're here in spirit and I know you are always watching over us.”

— Amber Fitzgerald, Daughter of Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald (fox29.com)

What’s next

The vigil brought together Sgt. Fitzgerald's loved ones to honor his memory and legacy, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on his sacrifice.

The takeaway

Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald's tragic death underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face in protecting their communities. The vigil served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that officers like Fitzgerald can have, both on their families and the broader community they serve.