Hundreds of mourners and law-enforcement officers from across the United States gathered in Philadelphia on Tuesday, October 20, for the funeral Mass of Police Officer Shane Seiber at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City, according to FOX 29 Philadelphia reporting carried by multiple outlets. A private burial was due to follow the service.
Source: FOX 29 Philadelphia via Dispatch Times — Tuesday funeral Mass held for fallen Philadelphia officer
Seiber, 40, served 10 years with the Philadelphia Police Department after service in the U.S. Air Force that included two tours in Iraq. He was fatally shot on October 10 while responding to a report of an armed man in West Philadelphia. His partner, Officer Hector Rodriguez III, was also shot multiple times but survived.
Promoted at the funeral, honoured by the city
During the Mass, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel posthumously promoted Seiber to the rank of sergeant, a customary honour for officers killed in the line of duty. Mayor Cherelle Parker described Seiber as “a giant of a man” and “clearly a gentleman of the first class,” and announced that the city will create an annual internship program for public service in his honour. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also addressed the congregation, according to the reports.
Prosecutors allege that Seiber and his partner were responding to a report of a man waving a gun when a man identified as Eric Lewis approached them, a struggle followed, and Lewis allegedly opened fire. Those are allegations reported by prosecutors and have not been proven in court. Lewis was taken into custody after a standoff with SWAT officers, according to the reports. A GoFundMe verified by the police department to benefit Seiber's family had raised more than $193,000 as of Tuesday, one report said.
Seiber is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their two young children. Officers from dozens of agencies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and beyond lined up outside the church, and a ceremonial final radio call was broadcast as his flag-draped casket was carried out, according to the reports.