SCRANTON -- Among the hundreds who came to St. Peter's Cathedral to pay their respects to Officer John Wilding were law enforcement officers from all over our area, and even other states.
Law enforcement officials said the reason they came to show their support is simple: it's because of the brotherhood they all share.
And although they might wear different uniforms, the job and the risks that they take are all the same.
As the funeral procession for fallen Scranton Police Officer John Wilding pulled in front of St. Peter's Cathedral on Wyoming Avenue, hundreds of community members and law enforcement officials were there to pay tribute.
Some officers traveled hours to stand at attention and honor the 29-year-old fallen officer.
"It's to show our respect and admiration for the sacrifice the officer made," said Lansdale/ Towamencin Township Police Officer Kenneth Meyer.
Patrolman Meyer has walked the beat just outside Philadelphia for 15 years. When one officer falls, he says, it's felt by all law enforcement officers no matter where.
"There is something that when we do this job it's more than any other kind of job; it's a calling."
Officers say they take an oath to protect and that oath goes far beyond keeping the streets safe.
"We always take care of our own," said Reading Police Sgt. Eric Driesbach. "We always look out after our own and the brotherhood. When you work day in and day out with these guys, it becomes more of a family."
A memorial fund for the Wilding family has been set up. You can make donations at any Fidelity Bank branch.
