Thousands Raised For Fallen Son Of Former Waterloo Police Chief

The family of the former Waterloo Chief of Police is still reeling this week.

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We shared with you the story of the son of former Waterloo Police Chief, Joel Fitzgerald. His name was Christopher Fitzgerald and for the past several years he was an officer on Temple University campus.

According to reports, February 18th, 2023, Officer Fitzgerald, was shot and killed during an incident investigation by the Temple campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The suspect is 18-year old Miles Pfeffer, and Temple officials are saying that Ofc. Fitzgerald was shot in the head while trying to apprehend him and two other accomplices.

He was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital, according to college officials.

Those two individuals involved in the robbery allegedly provided information that helped officials arrest Pfeffer.

According to the Bucks County D.A.'s office, the suspect was apprehended at his home at 7:12 AM on Sunday morning. County authorities are working with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Philadelphia Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police on the case. As is police tradition, the suspect was handcuffed with the fallen officer's own cuffs and taken into custody.

Pfeffer is being charged with murder and murder of a law enforcement officer, according to reports.

Fitzgerald leaves behind his wife, four children, and both of his parents. He had been an officer at the college since October of 2021.

A GoFundMe has been setup to assist the family during this troubling time. So far, the family has received an outpouring of support nationwide. As of February 22nd at around noon, this online fundraiser has raised about $422,000 out of its $500,000 goal.

These funds will go directly to the family and help cover funeral costs. Check out more information about the GoFundMe here.

That's just the start of the support they're receiving.

Barstool Sports also figured out there own way to give back. The media giant announced they would be teaming up with Temple University police to honor the fallen officer. They've created t-shirts with the Temple police association badge across the front.

All of the proceeds will go towards supporting his family.

His father, Joel Fitzgerald recently left the Waterloo Police Department for a job in Colorado.

Waterloo's first Black police chief began his work in the Cedar Valley during the heart of the pandemic. In 2020, he took over the department and lead it for two years. Fitzgerald assisted the city through the pandemic and nationwide police criticism.

During his tenure, he also had the Waterloo Police department change their insignia due to its similarity to a Ku Klux Klan griffin.

Joe Liebeld took over the position of Waterloo Chief of Police last year. Now, Fitzgerald is working as a police chief in Colorado.

Funeral services for Officer Fitzgerald will take place in Philly later this week.

We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.