Slain Philadelphia officer 'redefined what valor means'

Slain Philadelphia officer 'redefined what valor means'


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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says Officer Robert Wilson III's final act of bravery was so noble that the police department will rename its valor medal in his honor.

Ramsey recounted Wilson's heroism during the officer's funeral on Saturday, telling thousands of mourners it was the greatest act of bravery he's seen in his 46-year law enforcement career.

"Robert redefined what valor means, in my mind," Ramsey said.

Ramsey says surveillance video of the March 5 encounter at a GameStop store in north Philadelphia captured the 30-year-old Wilson's unflinching response.

The gunmen burst in as Wilson waited in line and he instinctively moved from the counter to draw the suspects' gunfire away from innocent bystanders and returned fire, Ramsey said. More than 50 shots were fired.

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