I wasn't always a small town girl. I grew up in the big city of Philly. My dad,uncles, cousins and friends all were Philly cops. Even my mom worked for them. The cops, civilians, police dispatchers all do an amazing job. The Philadelphia Police Department said goodbye today to its 4th officer killed in the last year and the second in under a month. The funeral was so sad to watch on TV. I never met Sgt. (posthumously promoted to Sgt.) Patrick McDonald. I have family and friends that knew him. He looks so young. Yet was so dedicated. Making his way to highway. Always trying to make the world a better place. I have no idea how those that loved him were able to share their grief by letting the world see the funeral. After watching the funeral and hearing people speak. I feel like the world lost someone great. Being a cops family is hard. Its in your blood, but its hard. My prayers and condolences go out to his parents, sister Megan and girlfriend Joanne Heary(also a police officer).
From philly. com
MCDONALD, PATRICK, Highway Patrol Officer with the Philadelphia Police Department, tragically in the line of duty on September 23, 2008 at the age of 30. Beloved son of Lawrence and Patricia McDonald (nee Gillin). Loving brother of Megan McDonald and the late Michael McDonald. Grandson of the late James and Ann McDonald, and the late George and Marion Gillin. Boyfriend of Joanne Heary. Patrick lived the life of a warrior, filled with pride and discipline. Everything he did reflected his intensity and determination to achieve excellence. Patrick was a tremendous athlete who played football for the Liberty Bell Patriots, Little Quakers all-star team, Archbishop Ryan High School (where he achieved All-Catholic honors), and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Department's Blue Flame football team. Patrick graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in 1996. He joined the Philadelphia Police Department in January 2000 and was assigned to the 25th police district where his record of excellent service culminated in his appointment to the elite Highway Patrol Unit in 2004. During that time, Patrick completed night courses and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph's University. Patrick's many commendations demonstrate his bravery and committment to serving the people of Philadelphia. .In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the "Officer Patrick McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund", c/o Archbishop Ryan High School, 11201 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
Police Officer Patrick McDonald Philadelphia Police DepartmentPennsylvaniaEnd of Watch: Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Biographical InfoAge: 30Tour of Duty: 8 yearsBadge Number: 2831
Incident DetailsCause of Death: GunfireDate of Incident: Tuesday, September 23, 2008Weapon Used: Handgun; .45 caliberSuspect Info: Shot and killed
Police Officer Patrick McDonald was shot and killed after pulling over a vehicle.Officer McDonald was on patrol when he stopped a vehicle occupied by two men. When asked, the passenger of the vehicle proved Officer McDonald with a false name. Officer McDonald asked the suspect to exit the vehicle, but the suspect jumped out of the driver's side door and fled on foot. Officer McDonald pursued the suspect for several blocks while requesting back-up officers to respond.Officer McDonald caught up with the suspect at the corner of North Colorado Street and North 17th Street. Officer McDonald and the suspect engaged in a violent struggle, during which the suspect drew a .45-caliber handgun and shot Officer McDonald several times. When Officer McDonald fell to the ground, the suspect stood over him and fired several more shots, killing Officer McDonald.The suspect then stole a bicycle and fled the location, where he was intercepted by motorcycle Officers from the Highway Patrol. The suspect knocked one Officer from his motorcycle by throwing his bicycle at him. The second Officer got off of his motorcycle and engaged the suspect in a running gun battle, in which the Officer was wounded and the suspect was killed.The suspect, who was on parole, having been released from prison just weeks proper to this incident, was wanted for assaulting several Police Officers two days prior.Police Officer Patrick McDonald had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for eight years and was assigned to the Highway Patrol.
