The ‘Image of a fallen hero’
for Officer Gary

By Brian Rademaekers
Times Staff Writer

Just over a year after Philadelphia police officer Gary Skerski was killed in the line of duty, his family, Bridesburg residents, police and local politicians gathered for the unveiling of a mural that will ensure the 15th district officer is remembered for years to come.
Painted on the north wall of the Bridesburg Recreation Center on Bridge Street, the striking mural towered over a freshly planted garden during the June 11 dedication.
Hundreds of onlookers applauded as the curtain dropped, revealing a level of appreciation for the Northeast Philadelphia cop that has not waned since his death on May 8, 2006.
Skerski, the community relations officer for the 15th, was shot to death that night while responding to an armed robbery at Pat’s Café, a popular bar at Castor Avenue and Arrott Street in Northwood.
An intense investigation led to the apprehension 10 days later of Solomon Montgomery after a shootout in Olney. He was charged with the officer’s slaying and awaits trial.
Skerski, who was just 46, left behind a wife, Anne, and two children, Robert and Nicole.
The colorful wall painting, a project of the city’s Mural Arts Program, was completed during the past month by Philadelphia artist Peter Pagast. It is a portrait of a smiling Skerski in uniform, and the dual spires of Port Richmond’s St. Adalbert’s Cathedral, Skerski’s home parish, are prominent in the background. Lights will illuminate the mural each night.
During the ceremony, family and friends said they hope the mural will be a community reminder of Skerski’s life, not his death. Many at the dedication recalled an officer who went above and beyond his duties on a daily basis during his work with community groups in the lower Northeast.
"The image painted on this wall is the image of a fallen hero," the Rev. Joseph Howarth, of the Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord, told the crowd.
Howarth said Skerski embodied the police department’s ideals of service. His life, the clergyman added, should serve as an inspiration for people to pay attention to the "little things in life." That quality, Howarth noted, enabled Skerski to touch the lives of many in the community.
"Love, duty and honor were something he lived out every day," Howarth said.
Capt. Frank Bachmayer, commander of the 15th district, at Harbison Avenue and Levick Street, said his headquarters is still abuzz with stories of Skerski’s dedication to the community.
"Gary was the community relations officer that took care of everyone’s problems," Bachmayer said of the 16-year police veteran. "He did everything well."
Bachmayer said the wall at the Bridesburg Recreation Center is appropriate for Skerski’s memorial because the policeman often worked with youth at the facility.
State Rep. John Taylor (R-177th dist.) lauded Skerski as an "important and incredible part of this community."
"He helped to solve problems before they even started," Taylor recalled. "This is something that we not only want our children to aspire to, but to be reminded of every day." ••
Reporter Brian Rademaekers can be reached at 215-354-3039 or brademaekers@phillynews.com