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by Robin Rieger
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Officer Gary Skerski, a 16 year veteran of the Philadelphia Police force was killed in the line of the duty late Monday night, making the ultimate sacrifice, while responding to a robbery at a Frankford bar.

"The only thing that officer did last night (Monday) was he responded to a robbery in progress and lost his life trying to save someone else's," said Commisioner Johnson.

The flags could be seen flying outside the 15th District at half-staff, a black bunting visible and badges draped in black while officers inside and members of the outside community mourn the loss of Officer Gary Skerski.

As the intense manhunt continues for Skerski's killer, his colleagues at the 15th want the community to remember how he lived his life serving others.

Skerski's Captain spoke with CBS 3's Robin Rieger, reflecting on his life. Captain Kelly says she was also his instructor at the Police Academy and saw him grow into the man she and his Community Relations partner knew so well and will dearly miss - a man who was an officer, husband, father and friend.

His face, Captain Kelly says, always wore a smile.

Skerski was well known in the district, he had been assigned to the 15th for six years, four of which he worked as the Community Relations Officer.

Captain Kelly had nominated officer Skerski and his Community Relations partner for the George Fencl Award, holding both of them as great examples for other officers to follow.

In the neighborhoods in his district, Captain Kelly says Skerski was committed to making life for people the very best it could be.

"Now that he's not here it's a big big loss," said Gerry Fagan, a neighborhood store owner. "He was always some you knew that was going to have your back and he was that person you knew you could count on."

Skerski was an advocate of victim's rights, a friend to school children, whose Christmas parties and gifts became one of his top priorities.

Devoted to his family, Skerski left behind a wife and two children, who were at his side when he passed on.

"It was very frustrating for me, standing there going out to the widows house, this morning looking at the children that will never get an opportunity again to talk to their father," said F.O.P. President Bobby Eddis.

Now Skerski's brothers and sisters in the 15th will stand by his widow and children to help them, just as Skerski had been at the sides of so many while serving on the force.

Skerkski's death is a tremendous loss and his Captain only hopes the wonderful memories of this fond man will bring comfort to others in mourning.

Members of the community gathered to comfort each other Tuesday evening, holding a candlelight vigil to remember, honor and console.

Betty Boyle attended the vigil and offered advice to those in mourning. Her son, Officer Danny Boyle, was killed in the line of duty in 1991.

I can honestly say to these people, 'I have walked in your shoes, I'll get you through this, but you're not going to get over this," she said.

Victims in Pat's Café during the robbery said they are banding together to raise money for Officer Skerski's family.

On Friday, a viewing will be held for Officer Skerski at Saint Adalbert Roman Catholic Church located at 2345 E. Allegheny Ave. in Port Richmond from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Rd., Bensalem

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