"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Philadelphia Police Officer Charles Cassidy

A rash of shootings directed at Philadelphia police officers in 2007 led one officer to conclude, "The drug dealer is a more respected person on the street than the police."

Philadelphia Police Officer Charles "Chuck" Cassidy

McLean, VA (March 11, 2025) - During the month of October 2007, four Philadelphia police officers were shot, bringing the total to 29 for the year. One of those officers was Charles “Chuck” Cassidy. He was a beloved officer in the neighborhood he patrolled and despite the rampant drug dealing and violence, Officer Cassidy was determined not to let the street thugs take over his city. His constant presence comforted the shop owners who were on edge. On October 31, 2007, the 25-year police veteran walked into a Dunkin Donuts shop as part of his routine patrol. On this particular day, though, unbeknownst to Officer Cassidy, he was walking into an armed robbery in progress. The robber turned and fired a single shot at Officer Cassidy, striking him in the head and leaving the neighborhood protector mortally wounded. He died the next morning. After a nationwide manhunt, his accused killer was arrested in Miami a week after the shooting. An officer attending his colleague’s funeral offered this chilling statement about the crime in the city and the violence being directed at police: “The drug dealer is a more respected person on the street than the police. There’s just no respect for police anymore.”

Listen to the full podcast here: https://behindbadge.substack.com/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-8ad