Friends and family of slain Philadelphia Police officer gather for prayer and balloon release

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The family and friends of slain Philadelphia Police Officer Moses Walker Jr. gathered Tuesday morning for a community prayer and balloon release in North Philadelphia.

The event took place in front of the 22 nd Police District of the Philadelphia Police Department at 6 a.m.

Prayer was led by Pastor Marc Poland from West Park Church. Walker and Poland were close friends and considered themselves as brothers.

Community members who attended were given a card to write the name of a loved one, prayer for family, community or world to attach to a balloon.

Officer Walker Jr. was killed on August 12, 2012. He had just got off his shift and was walking to a bus stop when two men robbed him and shot him.

He was a 19 year veteran of the force and is survived by five siblings.