Memorial service honors Philly highway patrol officer

Philadelphia police officers gathered Friday to remember one of their own recently killed in a highway accident.

A memorial service at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul honored Officer Brian Lorenzo, who died in the line of duty after a drunken driver slammed into his motorcycle while he was on highway patrol July 8.

Mayor Michael Nutter, who spoke at the service, said the loss of Lorenzo is a tragedy that will not be forgotten.

“This is still a very, very painful experience. We’re still grieving for the loss of Officer Brian Lorenzo,” the mayor said. “But we try in these ways both heartfelt and sympathetic to let the family know and to let the city know that a fine public servant was lost to us, a great husband, father, brother and son. We will miss Officer Brian Lorenzo a great deal.”

Lorenzo’s wife and children were presented with the flag of the city of Philadelphia, and Lorenzo’s restored motorcycle was displayed outside the church to honor the fallen officer.