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May 7, 2008 4:26 pm US/Eastern
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Fallen Philadelphia Officer Gary Skerski Honored
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Gary Skerski was honored during the unveiling of a Hero Plaque outside Pat's Café in Frankford Wednesday morning, marking the site where the beloved veteran died in the line of duty two years ago.
Officer Gary Skerski, a 16-year veteran, was shot in the neck by a robbery suspect outside Pat's Café on May 8, 2006. The beloved husband and father of two succumbed to his injuries.
With bagpipes playing and family members looking on, hundreds of spectators, police officers and dignitaries gathered to officially mark the site where Skerski lost his life and honor the fallen officer who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"I am so proud to be a part of this organization and work among the heroes you see gathered out here today," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.
The connections between Officer Skerski's death and the recent death of Sgt. Liczbinski, did not go unnoticed.
"It is just not to much to expect, that when they put on their uniform and go out and try to protect us, that they would just be able to come back home, safe," said Mayor Michael Nutter.
The family of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy, who died in the line of duty on November 1, 2007, also attended the service, watching as officials unveiled a plaque in the cement and gave a pillow to Officer Skerski's widow, commemorating her husband's life.
"It has been a struggle, but everyone has been so kind to us, and thoughtful, and I just want to thank you," said Anne Skerski.
"Thank you for coming out here and remembering Gary and honoring him and for keeping his memory alive."
The dedication ceremony marked the 50th plaque placed in the city for
officers killed in the line of duty.
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