Local law enforcement came together last week to honor about 40 families who have had family members killed in the line of duty.
The Nov. 21 event, at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, provided the families of the fallen heroes with a buffet breakfast, and they were given Thanksgiving dinner baskets.
There were representatives of the families of police officers John Pawlowski, Chuck Cassidy, Stephen Liczbinski, Gary Skerski, Brian Lorenzo, Andrew Stackwicz, Timothy Simpson, Patrick McDonald, Isabel Nazario, Moses Walker, Robert Wilson and others.
In addition, the Pennsylvania State Police delivered dinners to the families of Troopers David Kedra, John Miller, Paul Richey, Blake Coble and Bryon Dickson.
The breakfast and dinners were provided courtesy of John McNesby, president of FOP Lodge 5.
McNesby was joined by U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain; state Attorney General Josh Shapiro; attorney Jimmy Binns; and Police Commissioner Richard Ross.
The Rev. Steve Wetzel, the FOP chaplain, blessed the meal.
“Michael the Archangel, protect us,” Wetzel said of the patron saint of police officers.
Philadelphia Police Officers Paul Sulock and Jaison Potts who were recently shot, attended the breakfast. Binns referred to them as “living heroes.” Other living heroes in attendance included Jesse Hartnett and Ricky Bowes.
McNesby asked all in attendance to remember Chicago Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, shot and killed at a hospital on Nov. 19.
Families of fallen officers will return to the FOP for a breakfast and Christmas dinner baskets on Dec. 21. ••
