Resolution 080817

..Title Also naming the 3300 block of Almond Street and the streets at the intersection of Castor Avenue and Arrott Street in honor of Police Officer Gary Skerski, Badge No. 7379. ..Body WHEREAS, Police Officer Gary Skerski was appointed to the Philadelphia Police Department on March 26, 1990; and WHEREAS, On June 20, 1990, Officer Skerski was assigned to the 15th Police District where he served as the Community Relations Officer; and WHEREAS, On May 8, 2006, Officer Skerski was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery call at a café near the intersection of Arrott Street and Castor Avenue; and WHEREAS, Officer Skerski, who was working an over-time detail for the Department, responded to the scene. As he approached the door he was confronted by the suspect, who was exiting the café. The suspect immediately opened fire, striking Officer Skerski in the neck, and then fled on foot; and WHEREAS, The suspect was apprehended eleven days later, plead guilty to murder, and was sentenced to life in prison; and WHEREAS, Officer Skerski died at the age of 45, having served in the Philadelphia Police Department for 16 years; and WHEREAS, Officer Skerski resided at 3342 Almond Street; and WHEREAS, Officer Skerski is survived by his wife, Anne, his son, Robert, and his daughter, Nicole; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the dedicated service by Police Officer Gary Skerski and to further memorialize the sacrifice he made by serving and protecting the citizens of Philadelphia; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor the life and service of this dedicated public servant by also naming the 3300 block of Almond Street and the streets at the intersection of Castor Avenue and Arrott Street in honor of Police Officer Gary Skerski, Badge No. 7379. ..End