TARTAGLIONE HONORS SLAIN OFFICER, URGES CITIZEN SUPPORT

            HARRISBURG, May 7 - State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today presented a Senate Citation to the family of a slain police officer, and urged all Pennsylvanians to show their support for police by keeping their hearts and their eyes open.

            “They deserve to be kept in our thoughts and our prayers,” Tartaglione said, “but that’s not enough. Every citizen has a duty to help any way they can to provide not just comfort, but also justice to these heartbroken families.”

            Tartaglione attended a memorial service in Philadelphia today for slain city Police Officer Gary Skerski, who was gunned down two years ago responding to an armed robbery at Adams and Arrott avenues.  She presented a Senate Citation to the officer’s family while the city unveiled a memorial plaque in Skerski’s honor.

            The citation read: ”Officer Skerski faithfully endeavored to preserve and protect the health, safety and welfare of his fellow citizens. In the finest spirit of public service, he demonstrated exemplary knowledge, ability and integrity in carrying out his many responsibilities and earned deep respect and gratitude for his tireless devotion to duty.”

            Tartalione reminded Philadelphians that Skerski’s killer is behind bars because of a tip passed on to police.

            “They will be there when you need them,” she said. “Now they need you.”
            Skerski’s slaying marked the beginning of a tragic period for local law enforcement.  After a decade without the murder of a police officer, the May 8, 2006 shooting was followed by three more since, including the May 3 slaying of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski.