By Christine Olley
The Philadelphia Daily News
PHILADELPHIA — All that’s left after 89 years, since police officer Joseph T. Swierczynski’s death, are some newspaper clippings, old photos and family members proud to share his last name.
The Swierczynski family gathered yesterday to honor their grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great- grandfather, and to memorialize the spot, at 9th and Christian streets, South Philadelphia, where he gave his life in the line of duty.
Swierczynski’s great-grandson, Steven Swierczynski, has been a lieutenant with the Cherry Hill police for 16 years.
The family of Officer Swierczynski was joined by Mayor Nutter, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Deputy Police Commissioners Patricia Giorgio-Fox, Richard Ross, Jack Gaittens and Charlotte Council, Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby and Monsignor Michael McCulkin, from the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul.
“It’s a tough situation,” said Joseph Swierczynski, the fallen officer’s grandson, of having any memories of his grandfather.
“My father was only two years old at the time that his father died,” Swierczynski said.
“It’s extremely tremendous, though,” Swierczynski added about the dedication of the plaque. “The whole thing is pretty emotional for all of us.”
On March 20, 1919, Swierczynski received a call about a robbery in progress at 9th and Fitzwater streets. Swierczynski heard gunshots and pursued two men who fled into a saloon at 9th and Christian.
One of the men, later identified as 19-year-old Anthony Zanghi, shot Swierczyski in the chest. He was taken to Pennsylvania Hospital, where he later died.
Swierczynski was survived by a wife and two children who are now deceased.
During his speech before the dedication, McNesby called Swierczynski “a forthright man dedicated to honor and service.”
Nutter said that remembering fallen officers who have given their lives protecting others is a way to restore respect for law enforcement that has been lost.
“These events for me are very personal and emotional,” Nutter said. “We ask the men and women of Philadelphia to protect us from the most dangerous and misguided individuals on our streets.
“This is a reminder of the great work that people in law enforcement do.”
Those interested in sponsoring a plaque should call Attorney James Binns at 215-275-3000.
Copyright 2008 The Philadelphia Daily News