KYW Newsradio Team Coverage
by Tony Hanson, Al Novack, and Mark Abrams
Cardinal Justin Rigali led solemn funeral services on Tuesday for slain Philadelphia police officer Patrick McDonald, who was shot and killed last week in the line of duty.
PHOTOS: Remembering a Fallen Officer
Early Tuesday morning a horse-drawn caisson carrying the body of the slain officer was escorted from police headquarters at 7th and Race Streets to the cathedral.
The solemn procession was led by police cars, lights flashing. A motorcycle bearing the officer’s name preceded the caisson, and a riderless horse -- boots backward in the stirrups -- followed behind.
On foot were police commissioner Charles Ramsey and mayor Michael Nutter, who talked about community support:
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"I've already heard from a number of officers who say that citizens have come up to them from out of nowhere and said 'thank you,' and literally wanted to hug them or express their support.
"There are a lot of ways: people can give us information about those who mean us harm, people who are wanted fugitives, those who have committed crimes. Give us that information as soon as possible. A simple thank-you is sometimes is greatly appreciated as well."
A viewing began at 7am with a viewing at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Race Street.
Thousands filed past the casket to pay their respects, among them many police officers from the Philadelphia police force and from other police departments in the region.
Following the viewing, Cardinal Justin Rigali led a religious service at 12 noon.
Just before the noontime service began, Philadelphia police commissioner Charles Ramsey announced to the assembled congregation that he was posthumously promoting McDonald to the rank of sergeant among 12 officers who had qualified for the next round of promotions. The otherwise silent audience erupted in applause.
McDonald was remembered fondly by his uncle and godfather, George Gillin.
He said the 30-year-old loved being a Philadelphia police officer and always thought about the welfare of his fellow officers, especially around the holidays:
“I asked him one time: ‘How come you’re always detailed on the holidays? Why don’t you ever get off?’ He says, ‘They didn’t detail me, Uncle George. I was covering since I’m a single guy, I was covering for the married guys so they could be home and watch their kids open up their Christmas presents or eat dinner.'”
During the Mass, Rigali called on citizens to stand up against the evil McDonald sought to stop in the city:
“If as a community, we are to be faithful to the memory of Officer McDonald and truly grateful for his sacrifice for the well-being of us all, we must recommit ourselves to the elimination of the causes of such senseless violence.”
Following the funeral, Rigali announced he is asking all Catholic churches in the city of Philadelphia to open their doors for an hour of prayer for peace and an end to violence next Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 8pm.
Rigali says anyone is welcome to come to any church in the city to join in a time of quiet prayer and reflection.
Officers leaving the cathedral vowed that McDonald, who served on the force for eight years, will not be forgotten.
Burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, Pa. followed the services.
McDonald (above right) was shot and killed when responding to a call in North Philadelphia last week (see related story).
(Photo #2 by KYW's Tony Hanson)
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