PHILADELPHIA — Thousands of police officers from around the U.S. traveled to the City of Brotherly Love Tuesday for the funeral of Shane Seiber, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Oct. 10, when prosecutors say an armed suspect shot him and his partner.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel announced during the service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul that Seiber had been promoted posthumously to the rank of sergeant.
Seiber had served 10 years in the department after spending the prior decade in the Air Force, where he deployed for two tours in Iraq.
Officers from around Pennsylvania and other states packed the memorial service to pay their respects.
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Seiber and his partner were responding to a report of a man waving a gun in West Philadelphia when prosecutors say a man named Eric Lewis approached them from behind and asked what they were doing on his doorstep.
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They got into an argument, a struggle ensued and then Lewis allegedly opened fire, striking Seiber three times and his partner 12. Lewis was arrested after a standoff with SWAT officers — allegedly carrying two handguns, one belonging to the officers, and a shotgun.
FOX 29 Philadelphia has identified Seiber’s partner as Officer Hector Rodriguez III, a 33-year-old father of five. He survived his injuries.
Lewis, 35, had been acquitted at trial in a prior murder case, according to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who blamed a “deeply flawed” investigation.
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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that the city would create an annual internship program for public service in Seiber’s honor during a eulogy Tuesday, describing him as “a giant of a man” and “clearly a gentleman of the first class.”
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Prior to joining the police department, he served in the Air Force and deployed for two tours in Iraq, she said.
Seiber is survived by his wife, Lisa, and their children Finn, 7, and Emily, 3.
Fox News’ CB Cotton contributed to this report.