ICYMI: Boyle, Fitzgerald Family Rename Bustleton Avenue Post Office in Honor of Fallen Temple University Police Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined the family of Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald, Temple University leaders, and U.S. Postal Service officials to rename the Bustleton Avenue Post Office as the Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald Post Office Building.

"Chris's life's work embodied the best of our city, and his kind nature and positive impact he had on everyone he met," said Congressman Boyle. "To the Fitzgerald family, I would like to say that your strength over the past couple years has been matched only by the love of Chris that you have shown. I think I can speak for not only everyone here today, but everyone across our city and beyond when I say we are all in awe of what you have done to honor Chris, and we're honored to stand with you today and every day to uphold his legacy."

Sergeant Fitzgerald, a Temple University Police Officer and resident of Pennsylvania's 2nd Congressional District, was tragically killed in the line of duty on February 18, 2023. He was the first Temple University officer ever killed in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Marissa, and their four children.

The renaming was made possible through legislation authored by Congressman Boyle, passed by Congress, and signed into law by former President Biden. In his remarks, Boyle underscored the importance of ensuring that Sergeant Fitzgerald's bravery, selflessness, and service to Philadelphia are remembered for generations.

"I thank the City of Philadelphia, Congressman Boyle, for everything that you've done to make this happen, everybody involved in the post office, former President Biden for signing it," said Marissa Fitzgerald, wife of Sergeant Fitzgerald. "It's an honor and I thank y'all so much for continuing to help us carry on Christopher's legacy, his honor, and his sacrifice. I know that he bought this beautiful weather for us today. I know that he is shining down on us and beaming with light."

"Congressman Boyle, my family and I personally thank you for all of your heart's work in recognizing and honoring my son Chris's contribution and service to the city," said Pauline Fitzgerald, mother of Sergeant Fitzgerald. "I purposely said heart because it is not just the hard work, it is the care behind that hard work that makes it hard work. As a family, we have had many lows, but today is not one of those days. We are truly humbled that this building will bear Chris's name. It is especially momentous for me because when he was small, we frequented this post office."

"Of all the politicians in the metropolitan area, the first politician to reach out to us in reference to Christopher's passing was Congressman Boyle," said Joel Fitzgerald, father of Sergeant Fitzgerald. "He and his office have been ardent in support of our family. They have been amazing to work with. And to obtain bipartisan support in such a fractured political era is unusual, and to know that Christopher had that way of healing wounds and bringing people together is certainly something commendable."

"Even if we disagree with one another, we show one another compassion, we show one another love, and it's through love, peace, and unity that we can come together as a people," said Juan Marrero, uncle of Sergeant Fitzgerald. "So hopefully as people come into this post office, be they law enforcement or be they civilian, all of them can point to the fact that he loved law enforcement and he loved community, and he incarnated what it was like to be a police officer and a member of the community, and to bridge that gap between both."

###