Sep 26, 2008 8:30 pm US/Eastern
High School Honors Fallen Philadelphia Officer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
The alma mater of a Philadelphia Police officer killed in the line of duty honored his sacrifice during a memorial mass Friday morning.
Students and faculty at Archbishop Ryan held a remembrance ceremony for Officer Patrick McDonald, a member of the class of 1996.
Officer McDonald was shot and killed during a foot pursuit on September 23. The suspect, 27-year-old Donald Giddings, was later shot and killed during a shootout with a fellow officer.
Family members and fellow officers joined students and faculty at the school for the touching remembrance mass. In honor of Officer McDonald, flags were lowered to half staff at the school and a memorial book signed the entire student body was presented to his family.
"He played for me and he embodied everything you want in a student and an athlete. He was intense and compassionate," said McDonald's former football coach Glen Galeone.
The school is also offering their facilities to Philadelphia Police for preparations prior to Officer McDonald's funeral next Tuesday.
Officer McDonald's viewing for family and friends will be held September 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Givnish Funeral Home in Northeast Philadelphia. A public viewing will immediately follow at 6 p.m.
On September 30, there will be a viewing from 7:30 a.m. to Noon at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. A funeral mass will begin at Noon with burial immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Officer Pawlowski Killed In Line Of Duty
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