Also naming the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue, as "Christopher Fitzgerald Way", to honor the life and sacrifice of Temple University Police Sergeant, Christopher David Fitzgerald, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2023.

Whereas, The Temple community and the City of Philadelphia at large were shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of 31-year-old, Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald, who was shot and killed in pursuit of a robbery suspect on Saturday, February 18, 2023; and

Whereas, Sgt. Fitzgerald, who joined the Temple police force in October 2021, quickly became known by his colleagues for his hard work and dedication to his oath to keep the public safe, had his ranking posthumously raised from Officer to Sergeant on February 24; and

Whereas, Hailing from a legacy of public safety, his parents, Joel Fitzgerald, Sr. and Pauline Fitzgerald are both career law enforcement professionals, Sgt. Fitzgerald served at Temple and the Philadelphia’s Sheriff’s Office, along with a stint at the Philadelphia Board of Election offices during the 2020 election, he also worked at the Philadelphia Housing Authority as a corrections officer; and

Whereas, Outside of work, Sgt. Fitzgerald was an active member of the advocacy groups, Swagga House Run Club and Black Men Run Philadelphia, where he participated in group runs through Philadelphia neighborhoods to raise awareness around gun violence; and

Whereas, Sgt. Fitzgerald will be remembered lovingly by his wife Marissa, four children and a close-knit extended family and for his commitment to his work and community by the Temple University Police Department and the greater Temple community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue, also be named “Christopher Fitzgerald Way”, to honor the life and sacrifice of Temple University Police Sergeant, Christopher David Fitzgerald, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2023.

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