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May 10, 2008 4:01 pm US/Eastern
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Final Farewell To A Fallen Philadelphia Officer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS3/AP) ―
Mourners lined up in the pouring rain Friday outside a cathedral to pay their respects to slain Philadelphia police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, who was fatally shot in the line of duty.
A horse-drawn caisson traveled about a mile through city streets before dawn to bring Liczbinski's casket from police headquarters to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where a funeral Mass was held Friday.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, speaking to pews packed with officers and loved ones, said Liczbinski's death "represents the kind of heroism that takes place throughout the country every single day by the men and women in uniform."
"Steve is not a hero in my mind because of how he died," Ramsey said. "He's a hero because many years ago he made the decision, he answered a call, he knew that he wanted to help others ... He chose to become a police officer."
During the service, Matt Liczbinski, Stephen's oldest son, described his dad as a simple man who didn't ask for much. He spoke of how much he respected his dad, and related an observation a friend shared with him the night before.
"You were the only 24-year-old kid I knew who ... still thought his dad could beat up every other guy's dad in the whole world," the friend had told him.
It was true, said Liczbinski. "That's how I felt about my dad."
Toward then end of the mass, applause thundered through the cathedral: "Let's go Flyers, let's go!"
The cheer was led with a smile by, Matt, who wanted to show some support for his father's favorite team before Friday night's playoff game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The sergeant's passion for the Philadelphia Flyers was clear even before his son led the cheer: his casket's lining bore the team emblem and a jersey and flower arrangement in the shape of the logo were displayed nearby before the Mass.
Hundreds of police officers and members of the public attended the service, both inside the cathedral and outside, where tents and a large video screen were set up.
Sgt. Liczbinski, a 12-year veteran of the police force, was fatally shot Saturday, three days before his 40th birthday, as he responded to a bank robbery. Two suspects are in custody; one was killed by police in a post-robbery chase.
Stephen Liczbinski is survived by his wife, Michelle, and three children, Matt, Steve and Amber. Matt and his wife, Bridget, are expecting their first child.
Liczbinski was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, Pa.
Donate: Liczbinski Family Trust Fund
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)