PHILADELPHIA — Officer Robert Wilson III took on two armed robbers and gave his life to save those around him — an act so noble that Philadelphia’s police department will rename its valor medal in his honor, said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey on Saturday.
Ramsey recounted Wilson’s heroism during the slain officer’s funeral, telling thousands of mourners it was the greatest act of bravery he has seen in his 46-year law enforcement career.
Surveillance video of the March 5 encounter at a GameStop store in Philadelphia captured the 30-year-old Wilson’s unflinching response, Ramsey said.
The gunmen burst in as Wilson waited to purchase a game for his son. He moved from the counter to draw the gunfire away from innocent bystanders and returned fire, Ramsey said.
Mayor Michael Nutter said he is struggling to comprehend the loss of the city’s 10th police officer killed in the line of duty in the past nine years. The city has lost a friend, a brother and an American hero, Nutter said.
