PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Underneath a white tent outside Popi’s Restaurant in South Philadelphia, dozens of regional law enforcement gathered for the 40th annual Citizens Crime Commission luncheon to honor officers who went above and beyond the call of duty.
Notably, the commission — a nonprofit aimed at preventing and solving crimes across the Delaware Valley — honored Philadelphia SWAT Cpl. James O’Connor with a posthumous award at this year’s ceremony. Last year’s event was canceled due to COVID-19.
“It’s been a heck of year,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, who was the guest speaker. “We hear more about what’s perceived that we don’t do right than the accolades that we know we are doing right.”
O’Connor died in March 2020. He was shot while serving an arrest warrant in Frankford.
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“This means everything to me,” said his wife, Terri, who accepted the prestigious presidential award on his behalf. “The recognition is still there and I am beyond thankful for anyone that still continues to put my family first and recognize him for his sacrifice.”
Among other awardees was Lt. Robert Friel, who received the medal of valor. The off-duty officer was shot in the leg last May while halting a shooting inside a South Philadelphia CVS. A group of Chester County detectives also received an award for dismantling a pedophile ring and rescuing one person.
“It’s a beautiful sunny day,” added Terri O’Connor, “and there’s people from all over Philadelphia and the surrounding areas that know of my husband’s story and appreciate his sacrifice. Just to see the continued large amount of family in blue that give support is amazing.”
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