Philadelphia Police Union Honors Late, Longtime Backer Joey Vento
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police has dedicated a plaque today in memory of the late Joey Vento, founder of an iconic cheesesteak shop in South Philadelphia.
The ceremony had the same flavor as plaque dedications to fallen police officers and firefighters. And it was designed that way, according to FOP Lodge 5 president John McNesby.
"We were talking, and I said, 'We have to do something for everything that he's ever done for our fallen heroes,' and we came up with the plaque idea. And we moved forward with the blessing of the family," McNesby told KYW Newsradio today.
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Vento's wife and son were given a number of additional tributes from the community, including a rousing serenade by the Fralinger String Band.
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But the one that will remain for all to see is the plaque that has been placed in the "Path of Honor" that Vento himself built outside Geno's to honor the police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty.
Reported by Paul Kurtz, KYW Newsradio 1060
