Solemn farewell for Robert Wilson, fallen police officer

Mayor Nutter bent down to present Shakira Wilson-Burroughs with the Philadelphia flag that had flown over the city for 30 days, since her brother, Police Sgt. Robert Wilson III, was killed.

He spoke softly to her, but the words "thank you" were audible to the assembled crowd.

The ceremony on the second-floor reception room in City Hall on Monday morning marked the official end of the city's 30-day mourning period for Wilson, who was gunned down in a North Philadelphia GameStop store while trying to buy a present for his 10-year-old son.

Officials say Wilson drew fire away from other customers as he tried to fight off two armed robbers. They were later arrested and charged in his death.

Monday's memorial service followed a funeral last month attended by hundreds at the Palestra, where Wilson was posthumously promoted to sergeant and awarded the Medal of Valor.

"We're just trying to cope with everything," Wilson-Burroughs said, her 2-year-old daughter in her arms. "It's hard but we're thankful for everything. We're very appreciative."

Wilson's 10-year-old son, Quahmier, for whose birthday he was buying the video game, was in school Monday and did not attend the morning service, which brought together about 75 members of the Philadelphia Police Department, family, and city officials.

"Sgt. Wilson fought a tremendous fight," Nutter said. "Tragic as that day was, we all know that unimaginably, it could have been that much worse. For Sgt. Wilson saved the lives of six, seven, eight people in that store that day. He fought for his family, he fought for our community. He is a true American and Philadelphia hero."

Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey told the audience that the department's medal of valor would be renamed in Wilson's honor. "Every person who wears the uniform, and those who are awarded that medal, will know the story of Robert Wilson III. He will never be forgotten."

Ramsey said no one else would wear Wilson's badge number, which was officially retired. He encouraged people across the city to act with compassion toward one another.

"We've got to stop and really appreciate one another while we're still on this Earth and not wait, because you never know when that tragic chain of events is going to take place, and you're standing in line to buy that video game, and two thugs come in and snatch your life from you."

Wilson started working for the city as a mechanic, fixing emergency responder and other vehicles. He joined the Police Department in May 2006. He was assigned to the 22d District, which includes parts of North Philadelphia.

Wilson's brother, Dareon, 19, recently graduated from automotive training school. He said his older brother was part of the reason he got interested in the work.

"I just miss him," Wilson said. "I miss him every day."