October 24, 2023
Source/Philadelphia Police Department
The funeral for Philadelphia police officer Richard Mendez, who was fatally shot on duty, will be held Tuesday at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City.
The funeral services for Philadelphia police officer Richard Mendez, who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 12 take place Tuesday at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul in Center City. The Mass started at noon and follows a public viewing that was held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
6ABC is streaming the the services for the 22-year-veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. Watch the stations feed live below.
Mendez, 50, was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 12 while responding to an attempted car break-in inside a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport. Mendez was shot four times in his torso, and Officer Raul Ortiz, 60, who was also on the scene, was injured in the shooting.
A public viewing for Mendez was held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday at the John F. Givnish Funeral Home, at 10975 Academy Road in Northeast Philly, followed by a second viewing from Tuesday morning at the basilica.
The private funeral Mass for Mendez begins at noon Tuesday. Seating inside the basilica is reserved for family, friends and law enforcement officers. Words of remembrance are scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
Mendez served with the Philadelphia Police Department for more than 20 years, primarily with the 25th District in North Philly. He transferred to the airport district in 2018.
Three New Jersey men have been charged with murder for the shooting – Yobranny Martinez Fernandez, Alexander Batista Polanco and Hendrick Peña-Fernandez. The suspects were arrested last week.
Mendez is survived by his wife and daughter.
