Sacrifice of fallen Philly heroes marked with tears and tributes

By Kimberly Paynter

– Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in action were honored Wednesday at the annual Living Flame Memorial Service Wednesday afternoon.

Families of police Officer Robert Wilson III and firefighter Lt. Joyce Craig placed bouquets of flowers on the memorial as city officials honored Wilson and Craig with words.

Craig of Engine 64 died responding to a call in Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood on Dec. 9. Wilson was shot during a robbery on West Lehigh Avenue on March 5.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, noting that being a police officer or firefighter is a “constant sacrifice,” said those individuals display total commitment to the safety of the city.

Mourners were then invited to place flowers on the plaques bearing the names of their loved ones. The Philadelphia Honor Guard fired a rifle salute and the Philadelphia Fire Department rang the last alarm for the fallen officers.

Source – http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/viewfinders/item/81617?linktype=hp_blogs