Funeral set, vigil held for slain Darby Borough police officer

DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- Funeral arrangements are set and a vigil was also held Wednesday night for the Darby Borough police officer who was killed allegedly at the hands of his girlfriend.

The funeral for 26-year-old Officer Mark Hudson will be held Saturday, April 4th at St. Joseph's Church located at 500 Woodland Avenue in Collingdale, Pa.

A viewing is scheduled from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. with the funeral to follow.

Officer Hudson was off-duty when he was fatally shot in the second floor of his Glenolden home in the 600 block of Magnolia Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

His girlfriend, 27-year-old Tyaina Finch, is charged with with 1st and 3rd degree murder and related offenses in his death.

Authorities say Hudson was trying to break up with her when she shot and killed him.

She is currently being held without bail, and if convicted she faces life in prison.

Outside of Hudson's home Wednesday night, hundreds gathered for a vigil.

His home is now adorned with candles, flowers, pictures and other mementos honoring his life and service to the community.

As Officer Hudson's parents Karen and Alfred, and other family members looked on, a police chaplain prayed for comfort and solace.

As many as 200 people attended the vigil, many of them were police officers from various jurisdictions in Delaware County.

Darby Borough Police Chief Robert Smythe got choked up when speaking about Officer Hudson.

"It's gonna be a tough couple days. It's gonna be a tough couple days coming up but we're gonna get by it and we're gonna lay our hero to rest," said Chief Smythe.

Council president Janice Davis could barely get the words out when she called him and extended family member of the borough.

"It's just a sad situation," she said.

Officer Hudson also worked as a volunteer firefighter in Yeadon where he joined as a junior in high school.

"Mark had a great smile and that's how we'll remember him. We all miss him dearly," said Chief Michael Dilenno, Yeadon Fire Company.

State Representative Margo Davis says she is seeking a state proclamation in memory of Officer Hudson for his service to both communities.

"It's a sad day but we celebrate the life of a hero who was taken from us all too soon," she said.