SYLG Remembers Chuck Cassidy
By Wyatt Earp | October 31, 2009
Two years ago today, Philadelphia Police Officer Charles “Chuck” Cassidy was shot in the line of duty. He unknowingly walked in on a robbery in progress at the Dunkin Donuts, 6600 N. Broad Street. Human stain John “Jordan” Lewis spun around and shot Chuck in the head at point blank range before fleeing the scene. Chuck died the next day. Five days later, Lewis was captured in Miami, Florida.
I was working in the division that day, and we all heard the call come out. Almost every officer and detective in the building grabbed their guns and ran out the door, as the scene is only seven blocks from our divisional HQ. It was bad, worse than we thought, and while we feared the worst, we prayed for the best. Sadly, our prayers were not answered.
Two years on, the guys in the division still talk about Chuck. Every time we mention his name, people smile. He was a great, friendly cop but he was an even better human being. Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays. That ended on October 31, 2007. I still do my best for the kids, but inside, I am just going through the motions.
We all miss him very, very much.
Topics: Cassidy Assassination | 10 Comments »
October 31st, 2009 at 3:13 pm
A sad loss indeed, Wyatt.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:41 pm
At least they caught the scum that shot him!
October 31st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
R.I.P. Officer Cassidy
October 31st, 2009 at 8:51 pm
In the picture he just looks what you’d expect a good Irish cop to look like. RIP Cassidy.
October 31st, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Such a senseless tragedy.
Good that you have fond memories.
God bless Officer Cassidy and his family.
October 31st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
In my opinion, that very sad and tragic murder finished off what was left of Philly’s soul. It has, frankly, been downhill from there.
I’m sad that a wonderful human being’s life was taken.
November 1st, 2009 at 12:07 am
Teetop – A terrific person. I know everyone says that at a time like this, but with Chuck, it was doubly true.
Proof – Eventually. That was a pretty good day.
RAPH – Seconded.
tjbbpgobIII – Yeah, he was terrific at his job.
Mrs. Crankipants – Thank you. Most of us would have done anything for him.
RT – And he was just one in a long string of officers killed in the line of duty during a two-year span. Terrible.
November 1st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
It’s always a tragedy for the department and the community when an officer is killed in the line of duty. I believe that a place that tolerates their police being killed or shrugs at corrupt officers is on its way to ruin.
A few years ago, we had a guy here shoot a cop, and get arrested by officers from the same department. (Sheriff’s deputies)
He came into custody without any new ventilation holes, and no real scrapes or bruises. I understand he was treated humanely even during the arrest as well as once he was in custody. The sheriff here requested he be held in another county, because it would “be a strain” on his deputies. Heck of an understatement, huh?
Guy was tried and convicted, and is currently serving time. Last I heard, he was still in good condition.
And I remember sitting there thinking “How do those guys have so much self-restraint?” I’m glad they did, and it did a lot to renew respect in our local LEOs in the community.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:28 am
I’m sorry to hear of Officer Cassidy’s murder. A detective friend of mine goes through a similar situation, an officer, who was his best friend, was murdered on his birthday and he ended up having to work the case. I believe he later took himself off though.
Very sorry for your loss.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Everytime I come across one of the fallen officer plaques while walking around, it’s a startling reminder of the sacrifice made day in and day out by police officers.