Friends mourn officer killed in line of duty

August 05, 2009|By Melissa Dribben, Inquirer Staff Writer
(Page 3 of 3)

"We started playing again because we knew that's what John would have wanted," says Carr. Pawlowski's father comes by from time to time for the comfort and company of his son's friends.

Carr and Kim are childhood friends. He says she and John III, born June 11, are doing well. Although, inevitably, there are dark days. Some are expected, like Pawlowski's birthday July 1, when they went to the cemetery.

Others seem to creep up on them.

Last winter, Pawlowski bought a fistful of tickets to last Thursday's Elton John and Billy Joel concert. When she laid her husband to rest, Kim put one of the tickets in his casket along with their baby's sonogram.

Story continues below.

"She couldn't bring herself to go to the concert," Carr says. "So she gave all the tickets to his friends and family."

Going back to work has been rough for Carr and Palmer. Their district was also home to Officer Chuck Cassidy, killed two years ago after a shooting at a Dunkin' Donuts. "We both thought about leaving" the district, Carr says, but they've stayed to honor Pawlowski.

"If we quit," he says, "they win."

Who is they?

"Anyone who is anti-cop." 


Contact staff writer Melissa Dribben at 215-854-2590 or mdribben@phillynews.com.

« Prev | 1 | 2 | 3
|
|
|
|
|