Hero police officer gets seat of honor

Richard Decoatsworth, the Philadelphia police officer who was shot in the face during a traffic stop, was rewarded last night for his valor by sitting right next to the first lady during the presidential address.

Decoatsworth, wearing his dress blue uniform, and 19 other Americans from across the country were invited to sit in the box reserved for Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Biden.

Decoatsworth, 23, was a rookie cop in September 2007 when he stopped a car in West Philadelphia and asked four teenage boys to get out. One of them pulled out a sawed-off shotgun and fired at the officer's head as he stood by his cruiser.

Though hit at almost point-blank range and bleeding heavily, Decoatsworth managed to call for help and chase the shooter for two blocks before collapsing.

Decoatsworth was promoted to the elite Highway Patrol and given the National Association of Police Organizations' 2008 "Top Cops" award. His attacker was arrested and convicted, and is now in prison.

Decoatsworth, the right half of his face heavily scarred, told CBS3 yesterday that he was honored to be chosen for a ringside seat at the president's speech before Congress. But Decoatsworth planned to be back on the job this morning.