Prayer vigil honors slain Phila. police officer

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A prayer vigil was held Saturday in honor of slain Officer Robert Wilson III, who was gunned down during a robbery attempt in North Philadelphia.

"We want to pray for love, we want to pray for peace, we want to pray for fellowship," said Pastor Leonard Green.

Under the black bunting hanging from the 22nd district in honor of Officer Wilson, Pastor Green prayed.

Behind him stood Wilson's brothers and sisters in blue.

The prayer turned to song and the community linked hands.

A woman who knows the Wilson family's pain spoke out.

"Out of respect to the 22nd police district and to the Philadelphia Police Department, I want to say we got your back. You all have our back and we got yours - enough is enough," said Wayne Lipscomb.

Lipscomb's son Officer Moses Walker Jr., also of the 22nd district, was fatally shot after leaving work back in 2012.

When she heard the news of what happened to Officer Wilson, her heart sunk.

On Thursday night, Wilson was gunned down in a North Philadelphia GameStop store during a robbery attempt.

The father of two was buying a present for one of his sons.

"I was at home, I heard a police officer had been wounded and I said, "Oh my!' And I heard it was the 22nd district and I was grief stricken," said Lipscomb.

Brothers Ramone Williams, 24, and Carlton Hipps, 29, are both charged with 1st degree murder, conspiracy, and attempted murder in Officer Wilson's death.

On Saturday Lipscomb joined Mothers in Charge, the organization that promotes violence prevention through education, as they held a brief prayer service outside the district.

They also brought the officers lunch.

The group urged the community to offer support to the men and women protecting them.

Meanwhile, a church in the neighborhood where Officer Wilson was killed will be holding a service in his honor on Sunday morning.

The service will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Martin de Porres church located at 2340 West Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia.

A special collection will be taken to benefit Officer Wilson's two young children.

Also members of the Philadelphia Police Department have established a trust fund for his family.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so in person at the following
PFFCU branches:

901 Arch Street

7604 City Avenue

8500 Henry Avenue

Leo Mall, Byberry and Bustleton Avenue

7500 Castor Avenue

3300 Grant Avenue

Or by mailing a check payable to:

The Robert Wilson III Family Memorial Trust Fund

Police and Fire Federal Credit Union

901 Arch Street

Philadelphia PA, 19107