May 5, 2008 12:18 am US/Eastern
Community Shocked By News Of Fallen Officer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Philadelphia Police Officer Steve Liczbinski lived in the Burlhome section of Northeast Philadelphia and that is where family and friends of the 12-year veteran are heart broken after learning of the officer's death.
It was an emotional day as word began to spread early Saturday afternoon that the heroic officer, who gave his life in the line of duty, was in fact the same man who was known to walk his neighborhood streets with his family and his dog, and always with a smile on his face.
One neighbor told CBS 3's Chris May he had built a wonderful life and now it is all gone.
The family of Sergeant Steven Liczbinski returned to their home just before 5 p.m. Saturday. They were met by neighbors, friends and Father Charles Bonner of Saint Cecelia's Parish, where the family worships.
"We just said some prayers and they're just so distraught and they know their faith. They know their prayers and they were able to respond with that. But they're just, they're really distraught," Father Charles Bonner said.
The news of Sgt. Liczbinski's death was wrenching for neighbors in Burlhome who described him as a wonderful person on their block, a friendly neighbor who loved his family and his job with great passion.
Steve Liczbinski, his wife Michelle, two grown sons, and high school aged daughter called their street home for a decade.
"Michelle, Steve, they've been the best neighbors ever and Steve is just a great guy and is a wonderful neighbor and a wonderful cop," neighbor Sharon Doyle said.
"Such a nice guy. It's just so sad. It really is. I feel so bad for the family. It's devastating, just devastating. We just can't believe it. I mean we just saw him yesterday, cutting his grass with is wife and working on their home and making a nice home for him and his family and now he's gone. It's just heartbreaking. It really is," neighbor Donna Eckerle said.
People have been visiting the family at their home to pay their respects and offer comfort.
One neighbor, with tears in his eyes, came up to CBS 3's Chris May and pointed at the police officers covering the home on detail and told him, 'these men, every time they put on their uniforms their lives are in danger.'
During a regularly scheduled Saturday evening mass at 5 p.m., worshippers and mourners gathered at the officer's church, Saint Cecilia's in Northeast Philadelphia, to pray for the slain officer and his family.
Father Timothy Buckley started the evening mass with a solemn message and a prayer request.
"A member of our parish, a Philadelphia Police Officer, was killed today in the line of duty," said Father Timothy Buckley, "Let's continue to remember him now and throughout the coming days."
Parishioners did just that while they prayed.
Cardinal Justin Rigali also visited the family Saturday night let them know they are not alone and he has asked all 270 parishes in the Philadelphia area to pray for the fallen officer and his family during Sunday's mass.
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