The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 3/28/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Arthur Yue

On Wednesday October 31, 54-year-old police officer Chuck Cassidy was gunned down at a Dunkin Donuts near 66th Avenue and Broad Street just before 10:30am. He was twenty-five years on the force. Cassidy was performing a routine check on the store that morning, when unknown to Cassidy, there was a robbery in progress. As Cassidy entered, the suspect turned and fired, hitting the officer in the head. The suspect then stole Cassidy's service weapon before fleeing. Cassidy was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he remained until he passed away soon after arriving. The suspect was arrested by members of the Miami, Florida Police Department on November 6, after a 911 call was made indicating the man was in an area homeless shelter.

Cassidy was married and had three children, one in high school and two in college. Cassidy and his family were active members in St. Jerome's parish in Northeast Philadelphia. He was also known not just as a great police officer, but also as a good human being; he was universally lauded for his decency and gentleness. Cassidy's family, the police force, and his community have continued mourning for him. To help Cassidy's family during such a trying time, the Cassidy Family Memorial Trust Fund was established by members of the Philadelphia Police Department's 35th District.

The senseless murder of Cassidy struck us all, and in accordance, some Holy Family students decided to do something for the Cassidy family. The students of Dr. Arthur Grugan's Philosophy courses stepped up to help the Cassidy family in their time of need. Dr. Grugan suggested that the students donate anything from $.50 to $1.00. For two consecutive class days, he passed around a can for the donations, and then the students counted the money in class. The students collected $250, far beyond anyone's expectations.

The Holy Family students dug deep into the vaults of their hearts to come up with this large sum of money for the fund. It comes from the pure genuine generosity of the students. Along with the donation, Dr. Grugan sent a letter of condolence, on which every student signed their name, to the Cassidy family.

Holy Family has every reason to be proud of Dr. Grugan and these students because their generosity is astounding. They sent their moral commitment to the common good and to the university's mission out into the world. "The student's generosity reminds me of the words of Mahatma Gandhi: The fragrance remains on the hand that gives the rose," said Grugan.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Cassidy family send a check to: "The Charles Cassidy Family Memorial Trust Fund," 901 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Donations can also be made at the 35th Police District, located at 5960 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19141.

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