‘A true hero': Family, dignitaries honor slain police Sgt. Richard Mendez at his funeral

Philadelphia honored the life of slain Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez at his funeral Tuesday.

The funeral Mass for Police Sgt. Richard Mendez began late Tuesday morning at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia with family, friends, law enforcement personnel and dignitaries in attendance.

In remarks at the start of the funeral, acting Police Commissioner Richard Stanford announced that Mendez has been elevated posthumously to the rank of sergeant. He also awarded him the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney noted Mendez's "remarkable dedication to his profession and to public service.

"He was a true hero, a dedicated public servant, and a beloved member of our community," Kenney posted on social media. "We mourn a life that was taken from us far too soon."

Mendez's daughter Mia, a senior at Temple University who is set to graduate in a few months, told mourners about the love her father had for his wife, his family and furthering his education.

"Everybody loved my daddy," an emotional Mia Mendez said.

Mendez described the night her father died as the worst night of her life.

“On Thursday, Oct. 12, my daddy was murdered in the line of duty," she said. "That very night I asked him, ‘Can’t you call out sick? I want you to stay home with us tonight.” 

Mendez’s colleagues described him as a computer wiz. His daughter talked about how her father married his high school sweetheart. 

“He was 16 and she was 14. My dad used to say it was love at first sight," she said.

Born in Puerto Rico, Mendez didn’t have many educational opportunities when he was young but ultimately earned degrees up to his Master’s while working full time. 

“When he retired he wanted to go back to school, but this time to teach,” his daughter said. “I could not think of a better and more qualified teacher than him.” 

Police officers -- from as far away as Texas -- gathered outside the Basilica to pay respects.

Toward the end of the service, uniformed police officers lined up outside for the procession. The private internment then took place at Forest Hills Cemetery on 101 Byberry Road in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. 

Road closures were in effect along the Ben Franklin Parkway, North 18th Street and other streets in the area of the Cathedral until the end of the funeral.

A show of support at first public viewing

On Monday, Oct. 23, at 4:45 p.m., a commander’s march involving hundreds of officers began at Archbishop Ryan High School on 11201 Academy Road and ended at the Givnish Funeral Home on 10975 Academy Road in Philadelphia. 

After the march, dozens of family members, friends and fellow officers attended a public viewing for Officer Mendez at Givnish Funeral Home.

Loved ones described Mendez as a man who worked with integrity and enthusiasm.

"When he worked with me, he was an honest worker, friendly with everybody," Edwin Gonzales, a long time friend of Mendez, told NBC10. "He was our shortstop."

The Tuesday, Oct. 24, funeral followed a second viewing for the general public that was held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 1723 Race Street in Center City

Ahead of that public viewing, Mendez's body was transferred from a Northeast Philadelphia funeral home to the Center City Cathedral.

Gunned down in a Philadelphia International Airport parking garage

Officer Mendez and Officer Raul Ortiz – both assigned to the Airport Unit – were both shot when they tried to thwart four men who were breaking into a vehicle in a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport on Oct. 12, investigators said. 

Officer Mendez died from his injuries while Officer Ortiz survived. 

Officer Richard Mendez

Richard Mendez Oct 19, 2023

Cellphone records helped lead to arrest of suspects in Officer Mendez's murder, officials say

Richard Mendez Oct 18, 2023

All 3 suspects in murder of Officer Richard Mendez now in custody, officials say

One of the four men, 18-year-old Jesús Hernán Madera Durán, was also shot during the incident and later died from his injuries. 

Police later identified and arrested the three remaining suspects, Yobranny Martínez-Fernández, 18, of Camden, New Jersey, Alexander Batista-Polanco, 21, also of Camden, and Hendrick Peña-Fernández, 21, of Pennsauken, New Jersey. 

Police believe one of the suspects alone fired the bullets that hit the two officers and Madera Durán, but they have left it up to prosecutors to detail exactly what happened. First Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said police believe the officers were trying to detain at least one suspect when “someone came behind (Mendez) and fired a weapon.”

In addition to the three prime suspects, police are pursuing others who either assisted the suspects or tried to obstruct the investigation, including those involved in burning a vehicle and renting hotel rooms and those who "knew where people were and didn’t tell us,” Vanore said last week. Investigators were also still searching for the slain officer’s gun, which they don’t believe was fired, he said.

Officer Mendez, who was 50, was a 22-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Philadelphia Councilmember Quetcy Lozada read a statement on behalf of Officer Mendez’s family. 

“We are relieved and grateful that progress toward justice for Richie has been made. We are thankful for the swift action that the Philadelphia Police Department took to find the perpetrators and we appreciate the outpouring of support through kind words and contributions that remained through the reward fund,” she read. 

“It is amazing to see how many people have come together not only to work this case but to bring justice. To support one another in the aftermath of this loss. As a family we are grieving and are facing personal trauma through this murder as are the officers who work with Richie. We are all processing this loss and as we do, each officer of the 25th Police District and the Airport Unit as well as across the city continue to put their uniforms on everyday and continue to protect and serve our city. We are grateful for them, for their dedication to their job and we know that Richie would be grateful too. Even though we’re experiencing hurt and anger, there is some solace in knowing justice is being carried out. As we continue to grieve, we ask for continued privacy but we want to thank everyone once again for all they have done during this extremely difficult time for our family.”