Phillies Honor Philadelphia Police, SWAT Officers Involved In Nicetown-Tioga Standoff With Pregame Ceremony
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It was a special honor Tuesday night for the six police officers who were shot during an hourslong standoff in North Philadelphia. The Phillies recognized them, along with several SWAT officers before the game.
South Philadelphia was buzzing Tuesday night, the way it does before any Phillies game. And in that smiling flurry, it might be easy to forget that two weeks ago and about 10 miles north, the whole city just stopped.
"We are blue collar guys who go to work everyday just like everyone else," Officer Shaun Parker said.
On Aug. 14, police say that suspect Maurice Hill shot six police officers before barricading himself and hostages, including two officers, inside of a home in Nicetown-Tioga.
The almost eight-hour standoff ended with no further injuries and all of the injured officers were able to return home.
"You have your family at home and then you have your family that's blue," Parker said.
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But Tuesday evening was not so much about reminiscing, but gratitude. Before the start of the game, Parker, a narcotics officer who suffered a graze wound to the head, tossed out a ceremonial pitch.
"I was quite nervous having to throw out that ball and everyone was telling me 'what you just went through, and you're nervous for throwing a ball?'" Parker said.
@PhillyPolice Officer Shawn Parker getting a few tips from Bryce Harper before throwing out tonight's @Phillies game. Thank you Phillies for honoring our officers! pic.twitter.com/OHewjpNkUk
— Dennis Wilson (@PPDDennisWilson) August 27, 2019
On the field, injured officers and select SWAT team members were honored by the Phillies and earned a standing ovation from fans.
Last week, the officers were honored similarly by the Eagles -- chances for the city to say thank you.
"I would go right back to that house tonight if I had to and I'd go right back anywhere I have to be," Parker said. "I'm going to heal up and I'm going to be a cop and I'm going to retire a cop. That's just who I am."
The Philadelphia Union also plan to honor the officers at their game on Saturday.