Emotional Plaque Dedication Ceremony For Fallen Philadelphia Police Officer

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Many times now, with many tears shed, Judy Cassidy and her three children have in a way said good-bye to their husband and father, slain Philadelphia police officer Chuck Cassidy. But they found themselves doing that yet again on Wednesday morning.

The Cassidy's were rededicating a memorial plaque in Officer Cassidy's honor. That plaque, originally laid at Cardinal Dougherty High School last year, had to be moved because Dougherty is now closed.

The plaque is now hanging outside the main entrance of the 35th Police District Headquarters building on North Broad Street in West Oak Lane.

"Whenever you go through this, it brings back all the memories," said Tony Conti, Officer Cassidy's brother-in-law. "You know you lived through the tragedy once, and you live it through again."

Judy Cassidy became emotional as she spoke to those who turned out for this, the second ceremony.

"Over the past three years, through horrible circumstances, I have, we have, Katie, Cole, John and I, have come to know so many of you," she said. "I just felt that this really is the appropriate place."

Cassidy family members say Chuck thought of the 35th District building as a second home.

"He had many chances to transfer out of this district and go other places," said John McNesby, Fraternal Order of Police president. "He didn't do it. He didn't do it because he grew up around here, he loved the community, he loved the job and he was out there doing it day after day."

Still, losing Dougherty could not have been easy on the Cassidys. Chuck and Judy met there and became high school sweethearts. Having the plaque there provided familiar comfort for the family, says Conti.

"Our whole family went to Dougherty, so that felt very right to us when it happened," he said. But "when we think about long term, it will probably be more meaningful here, it will have more of a statement here than it would have even at Dougherty... so maybe God works in a funny way."

Reported By: Ben Simmoneau, CBS 3