Police Officer Gary Frank Skerski

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.

In December 2017, State Route 1005 in Harrisburg was renamed Officer Gary Frank Skerski Memorial Bridge.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 16 years
  • Badge 7379

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

overtime, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 469 Reflections

Gary, I am sorry That I have not left a message earlier , although you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. From the time I met you back in the 80's you were always the same Happy guy . I think often of what you said to me when I saw you sitting in the lot of Nicoletti beer dist when I pulled in with the tractor trailer and told you I was heading into the next academy class. Then working together in the same district was an honor. The worst day of my career was the night you left us. Seeing your father in law Bill at the morgue and having no answer for his question of why. You were a great friend -husband father -and co worker and are missed by all who knew you.

James Severa --retired Phila Detective -
Tioga County Deputy Sheriff

June 21, 2023

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