Police Officer Gary Frank Skerski

Police Officer Gary Frank Skerski | Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
Police Officer Gary Frank Skerski

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Monday, May 8, 2006

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Gary Frank Skerski

Officer Gary Skerski was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery call at a café near the intersection of Arrott and Adams Avenues.

A patron in the café had called 911 to report the robbery. Officer Skerski, who was working an overtime 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.

Officer Skerski was transported to Temple University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds just before midnight.

The suspect was apprehended eleven days later following a shootout with Philadelphia Police in which the suspect was shot twice. He plead guilty to Officer Skerski's murder in October 2007 and was sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Skerski had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 16 years and was assigned to the 15th District. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 16 years
  • Badge 7379

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life
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Gary was a beautiful human being and partner. In the 6th District we were often paired up on the wagon. I always felt confident that I was secure because he always...we always had each other’s backs. I also knew it was going to be an enjoyable tour not being solo. He was a good cop, knew how to talk to people. In fact he preferred taking and was low-key in that way. He’d say “Brans” its gonna be a good night and just his company and saying so made me believe it would be and mostly it was. I have some pleasant memories but I do remember a particularly intense fight at Jefferson Hospital, 4x12...for some reason this huge individual would not listen. It was a battle Gary came away bloodied but stood his ground and suffice it to say that individual was taken into police custody. The most significant thing about that incident was his spirit. Gary didn’t spout slurs about this brute... you would have thought he had just had a verbal argument with someone of a higher caliber. Gary had heart! It’s true meaning. I was emotionally hurt and stunned when I initially heard the news...just as much as I am now....much Love Gary...we should all be such good human beings.

(Ret.) Lieutenant Allan Branson
Philadelphia Police Department

August 15, 2018

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