Widow, Son of Slain Philadelphia Officer Attend Plaque Ceremony
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police officer John Pawlowski, murdered in February 2009, has been honored with a memorial plaque near the spot where he was shot to death, at Broad and Olney.
The solemn ceremony, attended by hundreds, was lightened by the adorable antics of the son he never met.
Kim Pawlowski, widow of the slain officer, acknowledged that coming for the first time to the spot where her husband was murdered was overwhelming. But she got through it with the support of family and friends, and she offered thanks.
"Most importantly, thank you to Baby Johnny. He doesn't know it yet, but someday I'll make sure he knows he has been my rock for the past few years, and I couldn't have gotten through any it without him," she said of her son, now nearly two years old.
Blond-haired "Baby Johnny" brought bright smiles to the faces of all as, during the ceremony, he squirmed impatiently, pointed to a picture of his father, was inducted as a junior police officer (below), put roses on the plaque, removed roses from the plague, waved the roses, and then repeated these joyful tasks, generally lifting spirits and lifting heavy hearts as no one else could have.
Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060
