Captain courageous
to the rescue

By Diane Prokop
Time Staff Writer

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police recently honored Capt. Frank Bachmayer, commander of the 15th Police District, with its Commanders Award.
The award recognizes people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, according to FOP president John McNesby.
"If you look at what he’s done and where he’s worked … he’s out front with the officers. (It’s) not ‘Do as I say.’ He’s out with the cop on the street doing the job with them. It gives them a good feeling," McNesby said.
(Bachmayer’s on-the-street patrolling in an unmarked car earned him a bloody mouth in September, when he was attacked by a carjacker. The captain did, however, have the satisfaction of apprehending his assailant.)
About 50 officers were also honored at a ceremony at the FOP lodge. Bachmayer, a 25-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was the only commander to receive an award.
"It’s a nice night. They receive a plaque, a dinner. It shows we at the FOP recognize and appreciate a job well done," McNesby said.
The plaque reads, "The FOP gratefully acknowledges your excellence in leadership, dedication to duty and your outstanding support to the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department and the citizens of Philadelphia."
Bachmayer was especially recognized for the role he played immediately following the death of the 15th district’s popular community relations officer Gary Skerski, according to McNesby.
Skerski was shot and killed on May 8, 2006, while responding to a robbery in progress at a Northwood bar. Bachmayer transferred into the 15th from the 25th district that August.
"He brought positive leadership from a sense of numbness and restored a bit of order to the everyday battles of the job. He made sure Gary wasn’t forgotten nor was his family," McNesby said.
Skerski’s killer, Solomon Montgomery, 25, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year and is serving life in prison.
Anne Skerski, the CRO’s widow, joined Bachmayer’s family at the award ceremony. She didn’t know the captain before her husband’s tragic death.
"He’s been terrific to us, has been so kind and supportive of our family. He’s become a good friend," said Anne Skerski, who is still taking one day at a time. "To go to a district that has lost an officer has to be so difficult. It’s a very well-deserved award."
According to McNesby, no matter where an officer was injured, Bachmayer was always one of the first commanders at the hospital, whether it was his officer or not.
The captain downplayed all the fuss.
"I think you’re only as good as the people you work with and work for. I have the experience in the 15th to work with some fantastic officers and supervisors. With the community, PDAC, Town Watch, it’s a holistic approach," he said.
Nancy Doerr, vice president of the 15th Police District Advisory Council, believes the award was well deserved.
"They couldn’t have picked a nicer guy. He really gets involved with the community. He’s not afraid to get involved. Crime has gone down, and he is in favor of the curfew center," Doerr said.
The curfew center, at 4620 Griscom St., where youths violating curfew are taken, is one of several tools Bachmayer has employed during his tenure at the 15th to address quality-of-life crimes. Toward that end, he has also hosted monthly community forums to communicate directly with district residents.
The next meeting will be held Monday, March 31, at 8 p.m., at the John Perzel Community Center, at 2990 St. Vincent St., following the 15th PDAC meeting. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com