Token Of Remembrance: Plaque Honoring Fallen Philly Officer Unveiled
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Philadelphia Police Department dedicated a plaque outside of the 22nd Police District Wednesday to honor Sergeant Robert Wilson III.
The eight year veteran was gunned down last March while battling robbers in a North Philadelphia GameStop.
Sergeant Robert Wilson III is known as many things..."Robby" by his family, "Mr. Hugs" by his friends, "dad" by his children and now "hero" by those who wear the badge.
"He redefined in my mind what a hero is all about," says Commissioner Charles Ramsey. He stood and saluted the slain Wilson, calling his act of valor the most courageous he's ever seen.
He stood alongside the DA, scores of officers and dozens of others to unveil a simple bronze plaque donated by the GameStop store where he died.
It's embedded in the concrete outside of the 22nd District headquarters on North 17th Street, just a small tribute to Wilson's big sacrifice.
"He was always ready to hug you and he had this laugh," says Constance Wilson, his grandmother.
She says the pain of the loss still hurts:
"I have my crying spells, but then I remember the resurrection and it helps."
Officer Mike Rivera says he and Wilson went to the Police Academy together. He was emotional when he made this promise:
"Your grandson will be legend, and I'll make sure no-one forgets his name," he told the family.
The Police department honored Wilson posthumously with the Act of Valor Award, which was renamed in his honor. He was also promoted to sergeant.
The two men accused of robbing the GameStop and killing Wilson are still awaiting trial for murder.