Wednesday
September 18, 2024 
A wreath that’s part of this week’s viewing and funeral for Christopher Fitzgerald in Philadelphia was the result of several parts of the Northampton community coming together to honor the slain Temple University police officer and show compassion for his family.
The wreath, made by Fireside Flowers in Richboro, was on display during a brief program Thursday morning at the Council Rock School District Star Center in Richboro. Students and teachers with the district’s A.C.H.I.E.V.E program, located at the center, then handed it off to Northampton police, who delivered it to Fitzgerald’s viewing later that day and then to his funeral the next day.
Fireside Flowers owner Alan Kiryluk said he wanted to make the Council Rock program and Northampton Police Department a part of the gesture because he has great respect for both and he viewed the entire process as giving back to the community.
“I’ve heard a lot about A.C.H.I.E.V.E and think it’s a very worthy program,” he said. “I wanted to show my support and give them an extra step up,” he said.
Kiryluk said he felt compelled to do something after hearing about Fitzgerald’s murder. He was shot and killed Feb. 18, allegedly by Buckingham teenager Miles Pfeffer, who is being charged with murder and related offenses. Fitzgerald had a wife and four children.
“It really hit home,” said Kiryluk of the murder. “This guy is doing his job, taking care of his family, and this horrible thing happens to him.”
John Engelhardt, a teacher with the Council Rock program that stands for Achieving Confidence, Happiness, Independence and Education through Vocational Experiences and teaches life, career and other skills to students with special needs ages 18-21, called the gesture by Fireside Flowers incredible. He added that he, the students and others in Council Rock felt moved to be able to do their part in it.
“It’s important for my students to see they need to give back to the community because we need the community to give back to us,” Engelhardt said.
The wreath is made of various kinds of flowers, greens, blue ribbons and other items. Among its parts are a picture of Fitzgerald, a replica of his badge and a message that reads “With our love, the Council Rock Achieve students.”
Northampton Police Chief Steve LeCompte thanked everyone involved in the wreath donation and added that township police and the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. program have formed a strong bond, with police answering calls at the Star Center when there are problems and the two entities supporting each other in various other ways.
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