Brotherly Love: School Library Dedicated In Officer's Memory
By Ukee Washington
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We were there as the school children got to see their new library, dedicated to the late officer.
It's a bright new room at St. Veronica School on North 6th Street, full of books and fresh paint. Hanging on the wall is a picture of Officer Daniel Boyle, who was killed 23 years ago in the line of duty and whose father went to this school.
"I went here from first grade through eighth," Patrick Boyle, Daniel's father, said. "This was where my roots were and my values and I thought it was time to give something back."
So Patrick Boyle and other volunteers spruced up the Library Media Center with blue and gold, police colors.
"There was a group of us that were down here putting paint on the walls," said Michael Boyle, Daniel's uncle. "Until my brother spilled a gallon of paint on the carpet. We had to replace the carpets after that."
"So we even have a new rug," laughed Sister Eileen Buchanan, principal of St. Veronica. "So we're very grateful. To Danny."
Today the library was dedicated with a ceremony and a plaque to hang outside the library to teach children about Danny Boyle.
James Perez, the student who carried the plaque in the ceremony, said, "He loved everybody very much and he wanted to help."
The Boyle family also had a check for $10,000 for the principal for scholarships.
"I think it's a tremendous thing that they've done," said Destiny Rodriguez, an 8th grader and student council president.
Sister Buchanan said the Boyles are "turning something horrible like the death of a child into something good."
Now the next generation will learn about a man who gave all to the city of Philadelphia.
Over the years, the non-profit Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund has given more than $50,000 to St. Veronica and raised more than $1 million total for a number of Catholic schools.
To find out more, visit: www.officerdanielboyle.com
