[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E897-E898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF OFFICER SKERSKI AND PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE 
                                  WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2006

  Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to 
address the House for five minutes and to revise and extend my remarks.
  This past Friday, I attended the funeral of Philadelphia Police 
Officer Gary Skerski. I saw the pain of his wife Anne, 13-year old son 
Robert, and 10-year old daughter Nicole--a pain that may dull with 
time, but will never go away.
  They lost a husband and a father. And Philadelphia lost one of its 
finest.
  Officer Skerski was a community relations officer, and a 16-year 
veteran of the force. And, on May 8th at 10 pm, Officer Gary Skerski 
was murdered in the line of duty.
  Gary was working overtime when he and his partner responded to a 
robbery call. He entered a neighborhood watering hole to stop a gunman 
who was terrorizing patrons and staff. Gary was shot in the neck by a 
cold-blooded killer who has no regard for the law and no regard for 
life. Gary never even had a chance to draw his gun.
  Officer Skerski worked to protect the families, homes, and businesses 
of Northeast Philadelphia. He interacted with my staff often, and I had 
the pleasure of meeting Gary at a community meeting just this past 
winter.

[[Page E898]]

  Gary was, however, far more than a respected member of our police 
force. He was a loving husband for more than 18 years, he was the proud 
father of two, and he was an active, well-recognized, and beloved 
member of Port Richmond--a home to many Philadelphia police officers.
  I rise today to pay tribute to Officer Gary Skerski and in 
remembrance of the 56 United States law enforcement officers who have 
died this year in the line-of-duty.
  These brave men and women in uniform have given their lives while 
protecting our communities. These brave men and women died while 
enforcing and upholding our laws. And, these brave men and women left 
behind family, friends and colleagues for the benefit of others.
  Our nation must never forget their contributions to the safety, 
security and betterment of our neighborhoods. I know I and my staff 
will not forget Gary, his sense of dedication, and the contributions he 
made to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with the Skerski family 
during this very difficult time. And, I know that all of my colleagues, 
and all Americans, join me in honoring Officer Gary Skerski and all of 
the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

                          ____________________