Vigil held at Temple for fallen police officer Chris Fitzgerald
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On Temple University's campus, the community gathered for a vigil Tuesday afternoon to honor officer Chris Fitzgerald, who was shot and killed on duty last weekend.
"I hope they know how much we care about them," a student said.
The community showed strength in numbers at the Bell Tower. A sea of students surrounded and supported Fitzgerald's family -- showing them that they're not alone.
"It's what we need right now and I'm proud of our fellow student body for just being there and supporting an officer who protected us," another student said.
"We appreciate everyone who does protect us here because it getting rough out there," a student said.
The vigil started at 4 p.m. and lasted about an hour.
Faculty, faith leaders and Officer Fitzgerald's family spoke about his love for Temple, being a cop and his dedication to keep all students safe.
"I know he is not here to protect you, but just know he is always with you all and he's always protecting this community," Fitzgerald's wife, Marissa, said.
"To see his family here, it's something that we never want to see happen again," Morgan Dey, a junior at Temple, said.
Before the vigil started, someone tried to disrupt it and there was a small scuffle. That person was escorted out from the vigil. There's no word on exactly who that person was at this time.
Overall, the vigil was extremely emotional. The family said they are humbled at the turnout.
"I think I speak for all of us that we just want the shootings to stop," Dey said.
