Hundreds Honor Officer At Viewing

PHILADELPHIA - Hundreds gathered in Northeast Philadelphia for the viewing for slain Philadelphia Police Officer John Pawlowski. It's the sixth time in little more than a year.

Slideshow: Images From Viewing

Officer John Pawlowski's pregnant widow watched a tradition that has become all too familiar in the city, reported Fox 29's Sharon Crowley.

Mayor Michael Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey led hundreds of police officers in a solemn procession. They  walked from Officer Pawlowski's alma mater, Archbishop Ryan High School, to the John F. Givnish Funeral Home on Academy Road.

Kim Pawlowski was surrounded by family and sadness.

"I told her that we will never leave her side, that we take care of our public employees, that she will always be surrounded with our love and support," said Mayor Nutter.

Officer Pawlowski was fatally shot Friday night while responding to a call of a fight at Broad Street and Olney Avenue. He is the seventh Philadelphia police officer to die in the line of duty in two years.

"I've been here 13 months and tomorrow, I'll be burying my fifth police officer. It's just tough on everybody," said Commissioner Ramsey.

Friends said the 25-year-old officer was eager to be a part of the action. Recently married, he and his wife were expecting their first child.

"We're a very strong city, but we've been tested. Time and time again," said Mayor Nutter.

The public viewing and funeral service is Friday at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Earlier Thursday morning, Cardinal Justin Rigali visited the 35th District, where Pawlowski was assigned, to begin a day of prayer and gratitude. The cardinal requested all archdiocesan elementary and high schools stop classes at 2 p.m. to pray for Pawlowski and his family.

On Wednesday, students at Archbishop Ryan High School signed a memorial book that will be presented to Pawlowski's family. The officer and his wife, Kim, both went to the high school.

Also on Wednesday, the U.S. honor flag that will fly in Pawlowski's memory arrived at Philadelphia International Airport. Philadelphia police honor guard presented the flag to state police, who then took it to Harrisburg, where it will fly at half-staff.