Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

Not a day goes by that you and your family are not in my prayers. God Bless you Officer Skerski. You are so missed by your family and your family in Blue.
Mom of Philly LEO's

January 15, 2008

Police Officer Gary F. Skerski may you rest in peace and watch over your family for eternity. I know they miss you. Hopefully, as you received your wings some comfort was placed into their hearts from our Heavenly Father.

None
None

December 17, 2007

Merry Christmas Gar. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. May this Christmas be a little easier on your family. Comfort them and let them know you are close.

December 11, 2007

Dear Mr. Skerski (actually you told us to call you Gary),
You are not forgotten. You really helped the neighbors out here in the city of Philadelphia. You definitely solved problems and made lives a little easier. Your cell phone number still hangs on our refrigerator. It's a reminder to us that you were our hero at one time. Even though your gone, the neighbors still remember you. Thank you for helping us. You'll never be forgotten.

your fellow neighbors

friends
neighbors

November 22, 2007

~Never forgotten. God Bless you and your family. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

November 14, 2007

Dear Officer Skerski,
I just want you and your family to know that you have not been forgotten. You are a True Hero.You answered a call and saved Many lives. I grew up in N.E. Phila., many of my neighbors were Philadelphia Police Officers.They were The Best neighbors! I have often thought about your family, and I keep you,and them in my prayers.
Please help Officer Cassidy, and his family.Also, please help the city of Phila. return to its roots, The City of Brotherly Love.Thank you for everything you did for this city. Gratefully Yours,
M.Walls

M Walls
Phila. Native

November 10, 2007

Thank you Officer Skerski. Thank you for sacrificing your life for the lives of all of us. In light of the recent passing of your brother in blue, Officer Cassidy, you have not been forgotten. I'm sure you were one of the first in line at the Golden Gates to greet and welcome Officer Cassidy to show him the ropes. You and all of your brothers and sisters in blue and all law enforcement will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you & God Bless!

Heather
Daughter of a retired PPD

November 5, 2007

Well Gary,
The Guy that Killed you is going to plea Guilty for your killing. I don't think that's right because Anne and the kids will have to live with the pain for the loss of a loved one and the Philadelphia Police Department has lost a Brother in the Force and I have lost a true and wonderful friend... Can I ever forgive the man that killed you, NO.. I don't want to know the man or want to know that he's still alive....If it were up to me I would not take the plea and just go right to what I was going to go for in the first place, The Death Penalty. Well I havr to go. Talk to you soon....

Steve Helvitson Sr.
Friend

October 26, 2007

Hey Gary,
I wanted to tell you that I had the honor of meeting Anne for the first time and I have to say that your right, She is a sweetheart. She told me that Robert is now in High School and he loves it and he's holding up pretty well after you were killed. Nicole misses you and Anne told me that she cries every week. I did not know that you talked to Anne about me asking you to be Godfather to Stevie. In away I have to say that I'm somewhat glad that I asked my nephew Eddie to be Godfather but I knew in my heart that you would come and see Stevie when ever you can. Me and Crystal will be Married for 6 years soon, I can't wait to go away for my Anniversery. We all miss you and will always love you...

Steve Helvitson Sr
Friend

October 21, 2007

Gary, I saw Ann and the kids down the shore for soccer blast weekend. I spoke with them at Owen's while my family and I were enjoying, Dollar Cheese Steak Monday!!!!! They all look good and Ann seems to be holding up well. I wanted to do something for them, so I anonymously paid their bill. Well I just wanted you to know that you are not forgotten and we all are still looking out for your family!!!!!!! Take care brother and God Bless.......

Sgt Ron McClane
Homicide Divison and a Friend!

July 14, 2007

Gary, always enjoyed running into you at the 15th when I would come to debrief. You were always interested in helping people and followed through on any concerns area residents had. I used to laugh when you used to mess up my name and confuse me with another female officer - not red hair, blonde, not Field Unit, Inteligence, not Marie, Anne Marie but you made it a point to be kind to everyone and gave everyone the same attention, consideration, and smiles. YOu are missed.
Narc Intell

Det. AM Cleary
Philadelphia Police Dept.

June 20, 2007

Hey Gary,
Well St. George's Church is having their Bazzar this weekend and I remember 2 years ago I had seen you with Robert just walkin back home to Anne because she was not feeling good. I had called you over and you got the chance to meet Stevie,Crystal and my Mother in Law that day and I got the chance to meet Robert. I still have yet to see Angel's tree planting in your Honor but someday soon I'll get to see it. We all miss you here in Philly and there's alot of things here in your Honor that I have yet to see.
Bridesburg had a Golf outing in your Honor as well. I'm planning to make it next year because I was going on vacation that weekend. Like I said Gar, There is alot of things in your Honor that I have yet to see but I well see them soon.
Stevie will be 4 years old in October. He's getting big and I remember coming to you and telling you that he was here you said," Congrats Steve,I'm very happy for you. You will see that babies are a joy to have around, I should know I have 2 kids myself and when they were both babies, It made my day because I was happy to see them." I know what your thinking right now, Your thinking, " I TOLD YOU SO." Well Gary, You were right.. Now me and Crystal are trying to have child #2 and so far nothing yet....

Love ya Gary.

Steve Helvitson Sr
Friend

June 11, 2007

Gar,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU. I remember the first time I worked with you on the wagon. It was my first summer on the street. Revolver, nameplate engraved using "Old English" font!!!, shoes shined like mirrors, it was hot as hell and not one thread of your uniform, not one hair on your head was out of place.....you were larger than life. I thought this "old timer" doesn't want to work with me.....I'm in for a long night. I couldn't have been more wrong. You introduced me to more people that night than I can remember. There was never one second of silence in the truck that night. When we pulled up on jobs that were hairy you would say, "I got this one mo, just stay close and listen. We'll get it done." There was the book way, the wrong way, and your way. You never got worked up and we left with people thanking us. Cursing us when we pulled up and thanking us when we were leaving. AMAZING. I offered to pay for lunch. You wouldn't hear of it. We ate like kings. Even though I had the honor to work side by side with you many times after, I will never forget this one. Thanks brother. Watch over all of us buddy. We need you now more than ever.

friend
Philadelphia Police Department

May 29, 2007

WELL GARY
HERE IT IS THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AND BRIDESBURG IS HAVING THERE PRAIDE AND EVEYONE IS THINKING OF YOU THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN YOUR PRAIDE IS THE SECOND ONE SINCE YOU LEFT US THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU IN THE BRUG. AS THE ONE WHO HANDLED IT ALL LIKE IT WAS NO BIG DEAL YOU ARE SADLY MISSED BY ALL OF US AND WILL NERVE BE FORGOTEN
LIKE ANGEL SAID NOW YOUR PATROLLING THE HEAVENS ITS A BIG JOB BUT YOUR THE BEST THERE EVER WAS WE MISS YOU PAL

MIKE MAWSON
WEST FRANKFORD TOWN WATCH

May 26, 2007

Gary, today's memorial could not have been any more beautiful. You know have a tree dedicated at the Christa Lewis Aboretum. "How fitting, a tree will grow and take cover". The words of State Rep Mike McGeehan. Many were in attendance today especially Anne. I had the honor of reading a poem and presenting a plague to her, in your memory. It was a beautiful day and you allowed that to happen. The tree is located closest to the curb on Keystone Street not too far North from Tyson Avenue going towards Princeton Avenue. The students of Our Lady of Consolation will be decorating the ground and I will most definately help to keep your tree alive. To our friend and our hero. We miss you!

Angel Cianci-Hartman
Friend

May 19, 2007

Hi Gary, I just wanted you to know that this Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 12 noon the Tacony Civic, Tacony Town Watch, and Tacony Historical will be doing a tree dedication at the Christa Lewis Arboretum which is located on Keystone Street between Tyson Avenue and Princeton Avenue. One of the tree's will be dedicated to you with a plague to our friend and our hero. I know many will spread the word and come join us as there are many people who were touched by you and still care about you, Anne and the kids. So please let the sun shine that day, as it is a day of many in honor of a great man. Hope to see you there!

Angel Cianci-Hartman
Pres., Tacony Town Watch, Inc

Angel Cianci-Hartman
Friend

May 14, 2007

Gar,

People are saying they can't believe it's been a year already...I just still can't believe you're gone at all. I stop in Applebee's on occasion for a quick bite but mainly to look at your memorial wall, they did a great job. In two of the pictures, you are laughing your A$$ off, I often wonder what was going on in those pictures...when I look at them I see someone so full of life, bigger than life...it makes me sad to think that someone so full of life is no longer with us, but Gar, know you'll never be forgotten because you are just that...bigger than life. Watch over your family, they'll always need you beside them.

friend

May 9, 2007

It's hard to believe it's been a year already. You are a true hero for your actions that night one year ago and the numerous lives that were spared that evening are because of you. Rest in peace always sir and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

May 9, 2007

ONE YEAR OFFICER SKERSKI. WE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

OFFICER SKERSKI, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

May 9, 2007

Dear brother,
On this one year anniversary of your death I want you to know that I think of you often. I did not know you, but your death impacted me greatly. You and your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

P/O Henry O'Neill
Prospect Park Police Department - Delaware County,PA

May 8, 2007

Gar,

I can't believe it's been a year since you were taken from us. Words can not describe the void that has been left. Not a day goes by that you are not brought up in conversation. You truly were a legend in your own time. We are at a loss without you in our lives. Thank you for your laughter, your street smarts, and for pickng us all up when we were down. Tonight there will be a vigil outside of Pat's. Please warch over us as we pick up where you left off.

fellow 369
Philadelphia Police Department

May 8, 2007

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace
brother.

P/O
Philadelphia Police 16th district

May 8, 2007

Gary, you saved my life one year ago today, i thought my life was over when he put the gun against my head but you took the bullet, i dont know what to say but thank you. Ilook forward to honoring you tonight at pats cafe.

Dana Casey

Dana Casey

May 8, 2007

On this, the anniversary of your death, please know that you and your family are not forgotten.

P/O Joseph Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police Department

May 8, 2007