Plaque for young cop

Once an officer graduates from the Police Academy, he or she is really no longer a rookie. Often, the fresh grads are thrust right into the intense and dangerous work of big-city cops.

Officer George Jacobs, 29, graduated as a proud member of Police Academy Class No. 179 on April 4, 1966.

Seven weeks later, he was killed in the line of duty.

He and his partner, Michael Robinson, were shot by the occupants of a car they had stopped on Broad Street near Snyder Avenue on July 15, 1966. Robinson recovered from his wounds and had a 23-year career on the force.

A plaque was dedicated in Jacobs' honor yesterday on Snyder Avenue near Watts Street, outside South Philadelphia High School.

Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson said Jacobs' "desire and dedication" made him a fine officer, even for the short time he served.

Members of Jacobs' family, including his daughter, Margaret Ann Smith; her husband, Ken; their sons, George Jr. and James, and their daughter, Deborah, attended the ceremony.

Jacobs' daughter spoke fondly of the father she barely knew.

"He died when I was only 6 months old, but he fulfilled his dream of becoming a loving husband, good father, and a Philadelphia policeman," said Smith, adding that when she was 16, she made a scrapbook of all the press clippings concerning her father's fatal shooting.

"As I grew older, I learned more about my father through stories. Spiritually, he is always there for me and always will be.

"I think this was wonderful, that everybody put forth so much effort to be here and honor him," Smith added. "I think he would have liked it. From what I understand, he was a very outgoing man, and I know he's giving me the strength today to stand up and speak publicly."

"It's something that George deserves, but something everyone deserves who put their lives on the line," said Jacobs' onetime partner, Robinson, who made the trip from his home in Florida to honor his fallen comrade.

Robinson said his wife was a nurse at St. Agnes Hospital at the time and she was a member of the team that tried to save Jacobs.

Philadelphia Police Detective Gary Capuano was the citizen sponsor for this plaque. For more information on the hero-plaque program and how you can become a sponsor, contact James Binns, at 215-275-3000. *