City plans day to honor Liczbinski

City and community leaders are planning a day of remembrance next month to honor the sacrifice of slain police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, to pray for victims of violence and to reflect on a future they hope holds less bloodshed.

The event, scheduled for June 2, will mark the end of the 30-day period of mourning Mayor Nutter declared in the hours after Liczbinski was gunned down as he tried to apprehend three suspected bank robbers.

It will include a "Pause for Peace," in which workers and citizens across the city will be asked to observe a minute of silence.

The day, which is being organized by Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison's office, will start with an "Interfaith Service for Faith and Healing" at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul at 17th and Race. Cardinal Rigali, Nutter and other dignitaries are expected to attend and speak.

Attendees and others will then gather outside, and for one minute, pealing church bells, fire and police sirens, Jewish horns called shofars and other heralding noisemakers will sound at noon.

The minute of silent reflection will follow.

Organizers plan to present Liczbinski's family with the flag now flying over City Hall.

Liczbinski, a father of three and 12-year police veteran who worked in the 24th District, with headquarters on Whitaker Avenue near Luzerne Street, was gunned down May 3 at Almond and Schiller streets by a thug who had just held up a Port Richmond ShopRite. Police officers shot the gunman dead and arrested his two alleged accomplices.

Liczbinski was the third city officer slain in the last two years. *