Again, it is time to honor our real-life heroes, but, sadly, as a memorial. This post goes out in honor of slain Philadelphia police officer Patrick Mcdonald, who is the second officer killed in the line of duty this month, and the third this year. (Mcdonald's partner, officer Richard Bowes, was shot and wounded, but took out the suspect, a convicted felon who was recently released. Thank you.) On that note, I would also like to honor officers Isabella Nazario and Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski. Unfortunately, this has been a growing risk in Philadelphia in the past few years: Since 2006, four other Philadelphia police officers have been killed in the line of duty. From Philly.com:

Less than two weeks ago, police buried Officer Isabel Nazario, who was killed Sept. 5 when a suspect in a stolen car crashed into her vehicle during a pursuit.

On May 3, Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski was killed while pursuing three men sought for robbing a Bank of America branch inside a ShopRite in Port Richmond.

In November 2007, Officer Chuck Cassidy was killed as he interrupted a robbery at a West Oak Lane Dunkin' Donuts.

And in May 2006, Officer Gary Skerski was slain when he responded to a robbery at Pat's Cafe in Frankford.

The Philadephia Police Department has had a troubled past, and as an Objectivist, I often object, in principle, to their interference in certain so-called "crimes." But our police DO have a legitimate job to do: to protect the society from those who would initiate force. "To serve and protect." They put themselves on the line every day, and never know what will happen. They do not have superpowers, and often have more restrictions than the criminals. So let us honor their service today and remember the fallen as they should be: as heroes.