For Liczbinskis, birthday grief
The words came out haltingly at first, as if everyone was unsure of what they were doing. But within moments, Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski's friends, relatives and fellow cops joined together yesterday as they sang a mournful version of "Happy Birthday," remembering what would have been his 40th birthday on the Port Richmond block where he was murdered.
The words came out haltingly at first, as if everyone was unsure of what they were doing.
But within moments, Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski's friends, relatives and fellow cops joined together yesterday as they sang a mournful version of "Happy Birthday," remembering what would have been his 40th birthday on the Port Richmond block where he was murdered.
When the song was finished, nearly everyone in attendance released a flurry of blue and white balloons into the air. Some quietly sobbed as a breeze lifted the balloons toward the heavens.
The memorial gathering, which was organized by community activist Melvin Figueroa, lasted for several hours as dozens of people made their way to Schiller Street near Almond to pay their respects.
Some crowded near the large, ever-growing memorial that marks the spot where Liczbinski fell when he was fatally wounded while confronting three robbery suspects on Saturday.
"I remembered it was his birthday, and I felt really bad," said Haley Gift, 7, who placed a birthday card, which she had drawn, at the edge of the memorial.
Anne Skerski, who tomorrow will mark the two-year anniversary of the murder of her husband, Officer Gary Skerski, also attended the memorial gathering.
Liczbinski's family members blinked back tears as they received hugs and warm messages of support from onlookers, some of whom they didn't even know.
Liczbinski's boss, 24th District Capt. David Mockus, said that the community support "has meant so much to Steve's family, and to his fellow officers."
"Steve impacted a lot of people, not only in his private life, but on the job as well," said the slain sergeant's brother, Marty Liczbin-ski. "We see that every day.
"Police Commissioner Ramsey told me the other day that what my brother accomplished in 12 years on the force, some people can't accomplish in 30."
Some of Liczbinski's relatives acknowledged that they are still struggling with the brutality of his murder.
"I hope he dies on the street like my uncle," one of Liczbinski's nieces said, referring to suspect Eric DeShawn Floyd, who is still on the run. *
