Philadelphia bids a heartfelt farewell to the courageous police officer Jaime Roman, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. The funeral service for Officer Roman is scheduled for Thursday morning at the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul located in the heart of Center City.

The somber yet dignified funeral Mass will commence at 11 a.m. The day started with a poignant funeral procession from the John F. Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Police Headquarters, where Mayor Cherelle Parker, Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel, and officers from the 25th Police District paid their respects by marching behind the hearse carrying Roman to the church at 1723 Race St, near Logan Square.

UPDATE: Funeral services for the late Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman begin early Thursday morning

The seats inside the resplendent cathedral are reserved for Roman’s immediate family, friends, fellow law enforcement personnel, and distinguished dignitaries. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be broadcasted on screens outside the church and can also be live-streamed. A private internment ceremony will follow the service to honor Officer Roman’s memory.

Tragically, Officer Roman, aged 31, passed away on September 10 at Temple University Hospital. His life was cut short when he was shot in the neck during a foot chase following a routine traffic stop in Kensington on June 22. Despite a valiant 80-day battle, Roman succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving community.

Public viewings were held Wednesday night at the Givnish Funeral Home and continued Thursday morning at the basilica, where mourners paid their last respects to a fallen hero.

Roman, a devoted member of the Philadelphia police force for 6 1/2 years, is survived by his wife, Jazmin Hernandez, children Evelina (7) and Jaime (4), as well as his parents and two sisters. In his leisure time, Roman cherished the outdoors, had a passion for country music, and adored spending quality time with his family, especially engaging in Lego building sessions with his son. Described as selfless and compassionate, Roman always prioritized the needs of others above his own.

The perpetrator, Ramon Rodriguez Vázquez, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, evading arrest, burglary, and kidnapping in connection with Officer Roman’s tragic death. Vázquez was apprehended after a dramatic series of events that involved firing shots at police officers, breaking into a nearby residence, and holding the homeowner hostage before his arrest.