Son of former Fort Worth police chief, also an officer, killed at Temple University

PHILADELPHIA — A former Fort Worth police chief’s son, who was also an officer, was killed in the line of duty in Philadelphia on Saturday night, officials confirmed.

Christopher Fitzgerald – an officer at Temple University and son of former Fort Worth chief Joel Fitzgerald – was shot trying to stop a robbery suspect, Temple president Jason Wingard said.

Christopher Fitzgerald was then taken to the university hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Wingard announced the officer’s death Saturday night. On Sunday, a U.S. marshal confirmed that late officer was Fitzgerald. 

He also said an 18-year-old suspect was arrested that morning. Police used Fitzgerald’s handcuffs to arrest him.

The TU Police Association (TUPA) also shared their grief online along with video of a memorial started for Fitzgerald.

“There are no words that can express our deep sorrow to this officer and our Temple University Police family who attempt to process this horrific tragedy.   Please keep this officer’s family and our fellow Temple University Police family in your thoughts and prayers,” wrote TUPA President Alec Shaffer.

Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was the son of former Fort Worth Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald. The former chief was with the city for nearly four years before he was fired in May 2019.

Joel Fitzgerald now serves as police chief for Colorado’s Regional Transportation District. According to the RTD, he is a Philadelphia native and spent the first almost 20 years of his career with the city’s police department.

The RTD confirmed with WFAA’s sister station KUSA that Christopher Fitzgerald was Joel Fitzgerald’s son.

Before starting work with the RTD last year, Joel Fitzgerald sued the city of Fort Worth for his termination, saying he was fired for being a whistleblower. He wanted his position back, but a judge later ruled that the city could pursue looking for a permanent officer.

Editor’s Note: The following video was uploaded in May 2019