Fallen Heroes

PHILADELPHIA Share your thoughts on the controversy surrounding the turning over of slain Officer John Pawlowski's picture by a Philadelphia judge.

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Name : LAWMAN
Hometown : Philly
Your Thoughts : Some preliminary hearings are held in some of the districts to save the city money. It's shameful about the shootings. What's even more alarming is that over 300 plus people are killed every year, mostly minority men, by handgun, and now that the police are falling as well, things are starting to stir. Crime is bad no matter who the victims are. And, for that matter where are the voices of leadership in the AA community speaking out against this violence both against the police, and within the community itself. The gun violence is now spilling over and it's just a matter of time before EVERYBODY starts falling, white, black, hispanic, male, female. This city is screwed up right now. What's the DA going to do? What about the people running for DA? What do they propose?

Name : Rhonda Hessner
Hometown : Reading, Pa
Your Thoughts : I am appaled that the police department has any influence whatsoever in a judges courtroom. It just goes to show you that the police are all powerful and toss their weight around in areas that they have no concern. The judge did the right thing and he should be returned to his position immediately.

Name : Sasha
Hometown : Philadelphia
Your Thoughts : Why is the police role call and court room in the same area? This could have all been avoided had the police role call room not been a part of the court room. This was an unnecessary disaster waiting to happen. The police have a right to mourn and the judge was in his right not to have the mourning go on in a court room.Why is the police role call and court room in the same area? This could have all been avoided had the police role call room not been a part of the court room. This was an unnecessary disaster waiting to happen. The police have a right to mourn and the judge was in his right not to have the mourning go on in a court room.

Name: Kenneth Blair
Hometown: Philadelphia
Post comments here: I believe the judge was correct in his decision to ask that the picture be temporally be removed from the bench. It was not insult the memory of the slain Officer but only to allow the business of law to continue.

Your Name: Helen D'Imperio
Your Hometown: South Philly
Post comments here: I am outraged at another tragedy. What is even more insulting is the act of the judge (i can't even write his name I am so angry!). If he wanted to show his authority it would be better to do so in the court room when one of these career criminals appear before him. As Com Ramsey stated, they are unsalvageable. Put them in prison and throw away the key!!! I intend to place Officer Pawlowski's picture in my window to show support. I would suggest that we all do the same.

Your Name: Harold Family
Your Hometown: Philadelphia
Post comments here: If anyone deserves to be there, it's officer John Pawlowski. He stood there at the start of each and every day and pledged to protect and defend, knowing full well the cost, that someday it may cost him is very life. It's a fitting tribute to him to have his photo there, where he stood and pledged the ultimate sacrifice. It's a statement that despite the cost, the sacrifice, that evil will not prevail, that JUSTICE will. He is an example of all that the Court stands for. We should all remember the man and what he stood for.

Your Name: Faye
Your Hometown: Lewes Del.
Post comments here: None of these dedicated officers were killed by 1st time offenders. The judicial system has got to these animals off the street. Lets use the Stimulas Package to build new prisons in each state-2 for Phila they need it. And when a criminal gets the death penalty lets carry it out in a timely manner. When someone kills a police officer they immediately forfeit their rights!!!Sound harsh?? Ask ant family member that has had to deal with this.

Your Name: Ray
Your Hometown: Phila
Post comments here: Look at the way the judge disrespected the honor of the fallen officer, in the 35th district today. This unacceptable behavior of judges is the root of the problem. If a picture of a slain officer offends him, what kind of sentences does he hand down. In fact where does he stand on defense objections. Was he a defense lawyer before being elected? This judicial system is so flawed and todays actions answers the question "why was a career criminal on the street?"

Let's each and everyone stop and collect our thoughts before this escalate into something ugly. Yes, this is a man who put his life on the line to protect and save others; to some folks he is considered a hero. Everyone's emotions are very high right now, trust me any head doctor would tell you the same. That Judge also has a responsibility the Justice System and the rules that applies that govern that system. The district roll call serves two programs when it is not used as a roll call room. The ball was dropped by both the Chief Justice to suspend court hearing at that district and the Police Commissioner until a fallen Officer is put to rest. The Judge should have cancelled all hearings at that district until a better clarification on this matter was given. Laying the picture face down was an insult. Or the judge should have legally charged any officer for failing to follow the orders of the courts if he thought they were wrong, Let's all keep a cool head and learn from this situation so it can be handled better in the future. My father was a cop and he was also shot and killed.