Planting the seeds
of remembrance for a hero

By Diane Villano-Prokop
Times Staff Writer

The skies may have poured down on a young Newport plum tree in the front yard of the Franklin Smedley Elementary School, dousing its pretty pink flowers, but the rain was no reason to alter a ceremony of respect and admiration for the man whom this symbolic tree was dedicated to.
The inscription on a plaque put the feelings into words: This tree is dedicated to the memory of Officer Gary Skerski, a true hero and friend of Smedley School, April 27, 2007.
Next Tuesday will mark one year since Skerski, a popular community relations officer with the 15th Police District, was shot to death while responding to reports of a robbery at a Northwood tavern.
The armed robber — who terrorized patrons and saw the arrival of Skerski and a partner — fired a shotgun round that struck Skerski in the neck as he entered the tavern through a rear door. The gunman fled.
An extensive manhunt ended 10 days later with the apprehension of suspect Solomon Montgomery outside an Olney apartment. He was charged with first-degree murder and is awaiting trial.
During last week’s dedication ceremony, more than 35 members of the Frankford community, including 15th district police officers and Ladder 15 firefighters, joined the officer’s widow, Anne, his mother, Mary Skerski, and the Smedley school community to pay tribute to Skerski’s heroism.
Third-grader Joselyn Rivera talked about how brave and kind "Officer Gary" was, and she said the plum tree planted in his honor is peaceful, as he was.
"He was a special friend of Smedley School. I think Officer Gary was a great man," Joselyn said.
Fourth-grader Sabrina Velez paid tribute to Officer Gary by singing Mariah Carey’s Hero. The celebration of Skerski’s life also featured school safety Lourdes Edma, who spoke about tree symbolism, a school safety choral reading, and second-graders who wore frog stickers on their shirts and recited the poem The Tree of Life by Mia Ocean.
The words couldn’t have been more fitting: This tree is not only a tree. It is a friendly tree that is always watching over you . . .
Smedley principal James Cantwell told those in attendance that he misses the police officer, who often visited the school.
"I and many others miss him, miss his humor, his generosity and willingness to help with anything in any way that he could," Cantwell said.
Marylouise DeNicola, the school district’s East Region superintendent, said she still hears mention of Skerski’s name throughout schools in the area.
"He affected a lot of lives," she said.
Capt. Frank Bachmayer, who never worked with Skerski but has commanded the 15th district since August, thanked the Smedley School community for "honoring our friend."
"At every community meeting, I hear what a great guy he was. He is missed not only by his family but by the officers of the fifteenth district," Bachmayer said.
Cantwell presented Skerski’s wife with a plaque honoring her husband’s courage and ultimate sacrifice, for which she thanked him.
The Smedley dedication was the first of several outpourings of remembrance as the anniversary of Skerski’s death approached.
"Gary was a friend here, along with other schools," Bachmayer said. "It’s very heartwarming. It’s overwhelming but very much appreciated."
Officer Christine Murphy, who worked closely with Skerski when she was the 15th district’s victims-assistance officer, feels the anniversary of her friend’s death looming.
"I can’t speak for the other officers — me and Gary worked together — but as it gets closer, I find myself more and more going back to the day," she said. "We miss him a whole lot." ••
Reporter Diane Villano-Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dvillano@phillynews.com