Police honored for bravery at award ceremony

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It was a day to honor Philadelphia police for their bravery, lifesaving, and heroism.

Family and friends joined police elite at an awards ceremony Wednesday in Northeast Philadelphia to give out commendations to our men and women in blue.

Sgt. James Russell from the 19th district was one of more than 80 Philadelphia police officers honored at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.

He received an award for bravery based on a 2012 incident when a suspect pointed a gun at him.

"Some of them, if you listen to the stories, are lucky to be alive today. It's a way of giving back," FOP President John McNesby said.

The awards were given out for bravery, lifesaving, valor, and heroism, but officers we spoke to say they were just doing their job.

"This is nice to be recognized for something. I didn't expect it," Officer Charles Rowan of the 3rd District said.

Last summer, Rowan was on Lombard heading back for roll call when he saw a woman with a knife running after a man and cutting him at the same time.

"I got out of my car, I separated both of them. I grabbed her, used a control hold, normal stuff, and I also received a stab wound from her," Rowan said.

He was slashed in his right arm.

His wife Kathe Rowan is president of the Lodge 5 Auxiliary; she heard the whole thing on the scanner as it was happening knowing it was her husband involved.

Those were terrifying moments for her, but she couldn't be more proud.

"Just incredibly proud of him for what he does. He risks his life every day for strangers," Kathe Rowan said.

Still, Officer Rowan says he was honored but surprised to receive an award for bravery.

"I don't know why they're doing it. I'm just doing my job like we all do. We all go out and do the job," Officer Rowan said.