By Christine Olley
The Philadelphia Daily News
PHILADELPHIA — James Donohoe came home from his job as a Philadelphia police officer every day, tossed his hat on the couch and picked up his daughter, Julia.
“How’s my beautiful little girl?” he would ask.
Fifty-eight years after his death, that’s one of the few memories that Julia Donohoe has of the father she never got the chance to know.
James J. Donohoe’s service to the city was honored yesterday with a ceremony and a plaque that was dedicated to him at 11th and Market streets.
His daughter Julia, 60, and his widow, also named Julia, 93, both teachers, were in attendance.
In 1950, the United States was booming. Troops had returned from World War II and were rebuilding their lives.
Donohoe was one of those troops. The wounded but well-decorated and seasoned soldier continued his life of dedication and public service by trading in his Army duds for his Philadelphia police uniform.
On May 3, 1950, Officer Donohoe was on patrol at 11th and Market streets when he was told of a robbery at a dry cleaners around the corner.
Concerned citizens ran after the two robbers.
As Donohoe was trying to arrest one of the men, he was shot at very close range.
Donohoe, 34 at the time, died of his wounds soon after at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Julia Donohoe spoke yesterday, overcome with emotion at the impact her father’s death had on her and her mother, and that her father’s sacrifice was honored.
“It’s quite emotional for me,” she said.
“It means a great deal.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring a plaque should call attorney James Binns at 215-275-3000.
Copyright 2008 The Philadelphia Daily News