Philadelphia is mourning the loss of one of its own, Police Officer Jamie Roman, who tragically passed away on Sept. 10 after being shot earlier in the summer. The funeral services for Officer Roman are set to begin early Thursday morning, starting with a solemn procession to escort his casket from the Northeast to Center City.
The procession will commence at 5:15 a.m. from the John F. Givnish Funeral Home at 10975 Academy Road in Northeast Philly and make its way to Philadelphia Police Headquarters at 15th and Callowhill streets. Mayor Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel, fellow officers from the 25th Police District where Roman served, and the police department’s executive team will solemnly march behind the hearse carrying Officer Roman to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, located at 1723 Race St., near Logan Square.
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Once at the church, there will be a public viewing from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass. The viewing is open to the public, while seating inside the church for the Mass will be reserved for Roman’s family and friends, law enforcement personnel, and dignitaries, as per police instruction.
A public viewing was also held on Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Additionally, monitors will be set up outside the basilica for the public to watch the proceedings, as Roman’s interment will be held privately.
The processional march from police headquarters will proceed south on Broad Street to Arch Street, then west on Arch to the Ben Franklin Parkway. The route will then turn right on the parkway to 18th Street, followed by another right heading north to the church.
There will be road closures in place on Thursday as follows:
• From 5 a.m. until the conclusion: 18th Street between the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Vine Street
• From 5:30 a.m. until the end of the procession: 15th Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill streets, Broad Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill, 17th Street between Callowhill and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Callowhill between Broad and 17th
• From 6 a.m. until services conclude: Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 16th and 22nd streets, Vine Street between Logan Circle and 16th Street, Race Street between 17th and 18th, 17th Street between Vine Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and 19th Street between Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Cherry Street
Officer Roman, just 31 years old, tragically passed away at Temple University Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the neck during an incident in Kensington. Despite being in critical condition and spending 80 days in the hospital, Roman bravely fought for his life.
Ramon Rodriguez Vázquez faces charges including murder, assault, evading arrest, burglary, and kidnapping. The suspect fled from police, firing shots, before barricading himself in a home and taking a hostage.
Roman leaves behind his wife, Jazmin Hernandez, their two children Evelina and Jaime, his parents, and two sisters. Described as selfless and caring, Roman loved spending time outdoors, listening to music, and building Lego sets with his son.
Flags were flown at half-mast last week following Roman’s passing, and the City Council canceled its session so members could pay their respects at the funeral. Council President Kenyatta Johnson expressed the city’s sorrow, acknowledging Roman’s ultimate sacrifice to protect Philly.
The Philadelphia Police Department notes that Officer Roman is one of over 260 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1828. As the community mourns his loss, additional roads may be closed, parking restrictions will be enforced, and SEPTA routes may be detoured.