Wounded cop honored with award

OFFICER Edward Davies was on the receiving end yesterday of some well-deserved kudos from his fellow cops.

Davies, who was shot in the abdomen during a struggle earlier this year with a career criminal in Feltonville, was given a Police Officer of the Year award during a gathering at the 25th District's headquarters in North Philly.

The married father of four is still slowly recovering from the damage that was caused when Eric Torres allegedly shot the veteran cop under his ballistic vest inside the Almonte Mini-Market at 4th and Annsbury streets.

Davies, 41, underwent several grueling surgeries and lost a kidney. It's unclear when he will be able to return to the force.

"He's still going through it," said Capt. Frank Vanore, the commander of the 25th District. "He's had some ups and downs, but I know he's thankful that he's able to be with his family."

Vanore said Davies' colleagues talked him into visiting the 25th District, on Whitaker Avenue near Erie, for the award presentation yesterday, which coincided with a luncheon involving the district's civilian advisory council.

"I think he really appreciates it," Vanore said. "He's able to come in and see some of the guys on his squad."

Torres, 31, had 12 prior arrests, including five for assaults on police, before he encountered Davies on Aug. 13.

Davies and his partner, Officer John Bucceroni, responded to a radio call about a motorist who had fled a traffic stop and dashed inside the corner store.

Davies was wounded during a violent struggle with Torres, who was later charged with attempted murder and drug-related offenses, due to $11,000 worth of heroin and drug paraphernalia that cops found inside his Feltonville home.

During a preliminary hearing in September, Bucceroni said that Torres bit him twice on the wrist in the melee that unfolded inside the corner store.

Torres is behind bars at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philly. He's expected to stand trial in June.