PHILADELPHIA - Another Philadelphia family ripped apart by gun violence are hoping their tragic loss will help spark a change in their community.Temple University Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was fatally shot in the line of duty over the weekend, an act of bravery his family says was expected of the beloved father-of-four."He put his own life on the line," Juan Marrero said of his cousin.RELATED COVERAGE: 'Chris is a hero': Family, friends mourn Temple University officer killed in the line of dutyOfficer Fitzgerald's cousin and uncle, also named Juan, joined Good Day Tuesday morning to remember the fallen officer and the legacy he has left behind."Chris is the embodiment of a good community person," Fitzgerald's uncle, who is also a pastor, said. "He was loved by the people of the community as Chris."Pastor Juan says Fitzgerald could often be found playing with youth at the community center, and working alongside former inmates.
The officer was said to have a "unique way" of bridging the gap between police and the community."He would pour into them and challenge them to live a positive life since they came out of prison," he said.RELATED COVERAGE: Funeral arrangements for slain Temple University police officer announcedFitzgerald brought that same encouragement into his own family, becoming the reason his cousin graduated from school."He came up to me and said, ‘You better not drop out, I’m gonna beat your butt baby cuz,'" his cousin said. "As soon as I graduated, he was first in line."Pastor Juan said Fitzgerald died doing what he loved, taking action to end violence in the city that he loved - a goal of his nephew."Unity between the black and brown community and police.