PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Law enforcement officers and members of the public on Wednesday paid their respects to a grieving family and said goodbye to a fallen Philadelphia police officer, 31-year-old Jaime Roman.
Dozens of officers conducted a Commander’s March, following Roman’s family into Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philly. Then, throughout Wednesday evening, a line of mourners took turns offering their condolences.
Commissioner Kevin Bethel said it is never easy to say goodbye to a fellow officer.
“You know, I’m … a 61-year-old guy. When I look at Jaime, he’s my son. He’s 31 years old. These are my children now. There was a time when they were my colleagues, and now they’re my children, and so it’s gotten harder now,” Bethel said.
“His death will not be in vain. We will continue to push forward. I’m proud of the resilience of the men and women in this police department. Despite all the odds, they continue to stay strong.”