Funeral service held for fallen Philadelphia Police Sgt. Jaime Roman

Roman was shot during what began as a routine traffic stop in June

Thursday, September 19, 2024
Hundreds gather at funeral for fallen Philadelphia police officer
Hundreds of family, friends and fellow members of law enforcement gathered Thursday during the funeral service for a fallen Philadelphia police officer.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Hundreds of family, friends and fellow members of law enforcement gathered Thursday during the funeral service for a fallen Philadelphia police officer.

Jaime Roman was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant during the Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

His police officer badge number 6064 and sergeant badge number 238 will both be retired so no other Philadelphia police officer will ever wear those numbers.

The police department also posthumously awarded the slain sergeant with the Purple Heart, Medal of Valor, as well as a Medal of Honor awarded to the family of fallen officers.

Hundreds of police officers marched outside the funeral home in formation to remember their brother in blue.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel were among the speakers.

"Today is a day to remember and honor the sacrifices of Ofc. Jaime Roman. The ultimate pain, and the price he paid, for the people of the City of Philadelphia," Mayor Parker said during the service.

Officer Roman was killed in the line of duty, passing away months after being shot during what started out as a routine traffic stop in June.

He fell into a coma after the shooting and died last week.

Commissioner Bethel moved the crowd by talking about Roman's dedication to his neighborhood and how he fought to live in the months after he was shot.

"He's leaving a legacy of courage, of dedication and a legacy of service to this city," Bethel said. "He chose to come back to serve his community to protect those on the street where he once was a child."

Bethel also addressed Roman's brothers and sisters in blue.

"I look up to the skies and say to Jaime Roman, thank you for your service. And to the rest of you: this work matters," he said.

A first viewing was held for Roman on Wednesday night at Givnish Funeral Home on Academy Road in Philadelphia.

Officer Jaime Roman died months after being shot during a routine traffic stop in June.

Hundreds of police officers marched outside the funeral home in formation to remember their brother in blue.

"We have a young man who is 31 years old, two young children, an amazing wife and family, and he's senselessly taken away from us," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

Members of the Philadelphia Police Department along with Mayor Cherelle Parker had the opportunity to pay their respects to Roman's family during the viewing.

Commanders' March held ahead of viewing for fallen Philly officer on Sept. 18, 2024.

Steps away from the funeral home, Jerry and Sheila Conrad sat on their front stoop.

"What a thought-provoking and solemn procession and event," said Jerry Conrad, of Northeast Philadelphia.

Commissioner Bethel said Roman came from a tough neighborhood and knew he wanted to give back to this city.

"His death will not be in vain. We will continue to push forward," he said.

Officer shot after traffic stop

Officer Roman was shot around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 on the 3500 block of F Street.

He was one of two officers who pulled over the suspect, 36-year-old Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez.

When officers confronted Vazquez over a holster, police say he ran off, firing three times toward police. Roman was struck in the neck.

Police say he tried to carjack the driver of a minivan and then entered two homes, holding the second homeowner hostage.

SWAT officers surrounded the home and Vazquez was eventually taken into custody.