Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I've worked next to Gary for the last three years and I knew him before we worked together. I can tell you from my own experience, he was a joy. Always had a smile for ya, always had a funny story to tell, smart as a whip, and very compassionate. I am truly happy that I had the opportunity to work next to him and he will be dearly missed. Gary set the standard for the compassionate person and officer that I can only strive to be.

A man’s legacy says a lot about him and I cannot express to you in words the legacy of love, family, duty, honor, piety, kindness, friendship, and brotherhood that this hero leaves behind.

I offer all of my condolenses to Anne, Robert, and Nicole, they have truly lost a loving husband and dedicated father. I know that there is little that can comfort such a loss, but I hope that the blessing of just having been in his life and the memories he built comforts your family. I feel truly blessed just for having known Gary and he will be forever in my heart. All my love to you.

Christine Murphy

Police Officer Christine Murphy
PPD

May 18, 2006

We got him, brother. And like a fool he wanted to go out fighting. This time it wasn't an ambush in the back of a bar. This time we had the upper hand. He's shot and in surgery. With a little luck maybe you'll be at the gate with St Peter to turn him away.
We don't forget. Ever.

P/O Joe Leighthardt
Philadelphia Police

May 18, 2006

Rest in peace brother. All the Cop heroes will be waiting for you in heavan as you start your new beat as a Blue Angel. I grew up in Frankford/15th District, now I am serving in blue in the DC area where we lost two brothers last week in Fairfax County. You guys take care of each other up there.....

Special Agent
Department of Homeland Security

May 18, 2006

I live in the same neighborhood as Officer Skerski. Although I do not personally know him or his family, my deepest sympathy goes out to them all. Being a police officer is one of the most dangerous jobs someone can hold and we all should be grateful that there are men and women willing & courageous enough to take on that job. Thank you Officer Skerski and all police officers who take a risk each day as they leave their home to go to work. Your dedication is greatly appreciated by all. My thoughts are with the Skerski family and my prayers go out to you also.

Kathy M.

May 18, 2006

Beings that the ***** of **** who shot Officer Skerski finally was caught and will get what he deserves, I thought it would be a good time to leave a few words. I never actually got the pleasure to meet Officer Skerski personally, however as the daughter of a Philadelphia Police Officer I know how hard it is to live in fear of your loved one not making it home safely at night. These men make such sacrifices every single day and put their lives in danger for their communities. To have someone taken away for such a ridiculous event is a tragedy. I pray for Officer Skerski's family and I hope he knows what a hero he, and all Officers, truly are.
Rest in Peace <3
Alexandra Donato
[email protected]

Alexandra Donato
Fellow citizen

May 18, 2006

May God watch over your family,friends and fellow officers during this terrible time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

OFF. MARK GROFF
READING CITY POLICE

May 18, 2006

My prayers and thought to all who knew and miss Officer Skerski.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

May 18, 2006

Officer Skerski, just by the sheer volume of positive reflections on your life and career, It's obvious that you meant everything to a lot of people. I can tell that that Philly was a heck of a lot safer of a town with you on watch. Your brothers and sisters in blue in the city of brotherly love will take that watch now. Rest.

concerned citizen from Ohio

May 18, 2006

Police Officer Gary Skerski, a true American hero. A man who did not wish to leave his family so soon, still yet, a man who knew the danger involved in his job and performed those duties with honor the very end. Men like Gary are men of the highest caliber, the best this nation can produce. They are the very fabric that make up the "thin blue line." They place their lives in danger everyday in order to serve this nation and protect American citizens. Officer Gary Skerski, rest in peace. You have touched the lives of people throughout this nation. God bless you and your family.

Very Respectfully,

Tony Bell
Sergeant Major (Ret.)
U.S. Army, Special Forces

Sergeant Major (Ret.) U.S. Army
Reserve Deputy, Monroe County, Fl.

May 17, 2006

Gary,
I cant believe that you have been taken from us, Its been a blessing to have known you, you will always be in my thoughts and my prayers. May you walk the streets of heaven and continue to look over us down here. To his family please know that he loves you and will always be with you in spirit and especially in your hearts. God Bless you , Rest in Peace Gary you'll never be forgotten.

P/O Terrence Lappe
Philadelphia Police Dept.

May 17, 2006

I first met Gary approximately 4 1/2 years ago when I assumed command of the 15th district, where I had the honor and privilege of working with him for 2 1/2 years before assuming another command. One of the first tasks when assuming command in a patrol district is to speak to the previous commander and the existing support staff in an attempt to get an idea what is occurring in both the district and the community, the "pulse" of the district, so to speak. Certainly you obtain a great deal of information from the persons you speak to, but the true "pulse" can only be obtained from the community relations officer. Gary at the time I assumed command held this position, and I consider myself fortunate and thankful that he did. Gary truly had the "pulse" of the district. Gary had a rapport with his fellow officers, the politicians and the community that was second to none then and he continued to do so until the day he was called home. During the time I worked with Gary I truly counted on his advice, knowledge, and support, but more importantly his friendship.

For all the people who never were fortunate to have met Gary, Gary was a devoted, husband, father, son, brother, police officer and friend. Gary was the "real deal," he was genuine. Gary never did nor did he have to put on a false persona because he was the community relations officer. This I know was felt by and came through to all the people that Gary ever had contact with.

Gary truly was a "people" person and I have a personal story that best exemplifies this that I would like to share with all. In the inaugural season of the new baseball park in Philadelphia, Citizens Bank Park, a group of us from the 15th district decided to take in an afternoon business persons special. The day was beautiful, with the sun shinning brightly down on our tailgate party prior to the game. We then proceeded to McFadden's, a bar/restaurant attached to the park where I had a family member who was a bartender. As we spread out down the bar, Gary's bar stool happened to be next to the service area for the wait staff, where they would obtain the beverages for their customers. Every time one of the wait staff came to their orders Gary always engaged them in conversation. You know what? Gary never left his seat and never entered the ball park, he was happy and content to talk to his coworkers and the wait staff and watch the game on the large TV. By the end of the game, Gary knew all the their names, what neighborhood they were from and had shared many laughs with them all. I know that many if not all of them remembered Gary from this day also, because even though my own family member had met Gary on this one occasion only, when Gary's photo was shown by the news media after Gary had passed, my family member called me to give condolences because he remembered Gary from this one encounter and what a great guy he was.

Gary, we all love and miss you. There will forever be a void in all our lives. I know in my heart that you will provide strength to and will watch over Anne, Robert, Nicole, your family and all your friends. Please say "Hello," to Hawk for all of us, and when we find the coward "***** of ****" who has taken you from us, guide our pencil to you know where. Rest in Peace Brother.

Capt. Mark Everitt
Phila. P.D./friend

May 17, 2006

Gary, god bless. You and your family will not be forgotten.

P/O #2210
Philadelphia Police Department

May 17, 2006

TO THE FAMILY OF POLICE OFFICER GARY SKERSKI,

MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT MANY PEOPLE SHARE IN
YOUR SADNESS. POLICE OFFICER GARY SKERSKI IS TOO LOVED TO BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

LISA
WHITE PLAINS, MARYLAND

May 17, 2006

Gary and his wife were friends of mine since the first grade. His wife dated Gary since High School and we all hung around together. We're at each other's weddings, baptisms for the kids, communions, confirmations, and lots of birthday parties. He will truly be missed as a terrific husband, father and great friend. We miss you Gary.

The Gee Family
Friend

May 17, 2006

I WAS FRIENDS AND A CO-WORKER WITH GARY FOR OVER TEN YEARS-HE GAVE ME GREAT ADVICE PRIOR TO GETTING MARRRIED. HE WAS A TRUE FAMILY MAN. HE WAS THE KIND OF GUY WHO WOULD RESOLVE A DISTURBANCE WITH HIS TYPICAL "STREET CHARM". HE WAS A REGULAR WORKING GUYS-GUY. HE WAS A CO-WORKER FRIEND OF MINE. I'LL MISS YOU MO!

P/O
PHILLY PD

May 17, 2006

Although, I did not personally know Gary, I wish to expression my deepest sympathies to his wife and children. I still have family member active on the department and everyday pray for their safe return home.

Ret Police Officer Frank Rooney
Philadelphia PD Ret 1990

May 17, 2006

vio con dias!!!!

Patrolman Mark Sand
Lockland Ohio PD

May 17, 2006

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

May 17, 2006

My heart and prayers are with the wife, children, family, friends, and coworkers of Officer Skerski. Another true hero who dedicated his life to protecting us all has been cut short. God bless you all.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW - 8/06/02

May 16, 2006

Gary, I knew you almost four years. You were a joy to work with, always a smile on your face, a sparkle in your eye and a pencil over your ear. You are and always will be, my friend. God Bless your family. I will keep my promise that I made to you on May 12.

Michelle Weaver
15th District

May 16, 2006

Two years ago I was almost killed in the line of duty by a citizen who I would take a bullet for to protect if his life counted on it. But today here I still stand to take your place my Brother-So that your family knows not to fear when in the dark, for the shadow that surrounds them is that from the shadow of your wings as you fly over head ever vigelant. Rest in Peace for the battle,we, the rest of your Police family, will rage on against evil that lurks.

Officer C. Ramos
Harlingen PD/TEXAS

Officer Carlos Ramos
Harlingen Police Department, TEXAS

May 16, 2006

I was so sad to hear the news:( Being a wife of an officer it hits close to home. A prayer to you and your family will be made today. God bless his wife and kids!

Wife of a Philadelphia p/o

May 16, 2006

We pray and look forward to the day when the coward who took one of our owns' life is caught. There is no greater pain than the pain brought by the death of a family member by an unknown assailant,in such a violant manner. As I watch the News coverage on Officer Skerski's death I felt tears running down my face. I could not help but to think that justice will be served for our brother. Justice will at least will easy the pain and suffering the family is enduring, as we search for answers. Let us continue Officer's Skerski legacy in serving proudly, fearlessly and with devotion to our communities. And lets not forget him, his family and our families and let us comfomfort each other on our next tour of duty as we face the unknown. Remember that Skerski is with us. Keep an eye out for the 'Coward' and God Bless us all.
Your neighbor and comrade.
Ptl. B. Torres
PGPD, NJ

Patrol Officer
PG PD

May 16, 2006

To the family,friends and co-workers of Office Skerski, May you find the strenght in God to help you through this very difficult time.

Wife of a Police Officer
In.

May 16, 2006

I have had the pleasure of being Officer Gary Skerski's supervisor since December 2005. Although this time was short, it does'nt take long for a guy like Gary to reaffirm your reasons and committment for wanting to be a Police Officer. Not a day would go by when Gary didn't take the time to sit at my desk, talk about his family, his kids activities(they just started bike riding as a family in Pennypack Park), or reflect upon his younger days and the impact that his wonderful father had on his life. He was such a proud man.

Conversations such as this could go on for hours, but would always end with Gary reviewing his handful of pencil written notes, he did'nt like pens (old school), with requests for his assistance. He would tell me the same thing "I'm going to see what I can do to help these people out". I think that this simple phrase could be used to describe Gary's purpose on this earth, to help people out. What a great job he did!

I would like to take an opportunity to personally thank all the agencies that came to pay there respects at Gary's funeral. I would ecspecially like to say thanks to the Bensalem Police Department, as well as the residents. I was never so proud in my life to be a member of law enforcement when our procession passed thru your Township.
I spent a couple hours with Gary's wife,Anne Skerski, and his mother on the Monday following the funeral. They could not say enough about the support and love displayed by the police and the community as the procession made it's way from the church to the cemetery. Gary would be so proud.

I hope this message helps those not lucky enough to personally know Gary, understand just how special he was to his family, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the citizens of Philadelphia. He will be missed greatly and will never be forgotten. From myself, and fellow members of the 15th District, Rest in Peace my Friend.

Lt. Kevin Long
Phila. Police Department

May 16, 2006