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New Baltimore Officer Honored With Father's Badge

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Sworn to serve in his father's footsteps. It's an extraordinary story of a young man who graduated from the Baltimore police academy this week---26 years after his father was killed in the line of duty.

Mary Bubala has more.

As the next generation of Baltimore City police officers is sworn in, there is one among them carrying on his father's law enforcement legacy.

On October 10, 1989, Officer Billy Martin was shot and killed responding to a call on Pennsylvania Avenue in the city.

"I know the risks more than most," said Patrick Deachilla.

Deachilla was only three years old when his father was killed in the line of duty.

Now, two decades later, the police commissioner pinned on Patrick's badge---carrying the same number his father wore: 2025. It's a first in Baltimore Police history that a fallen officer's number is now worn by his son.

"It means the world. I am incredibly honored. I didn't expect it and I am proud to be following in his footsteps," he said.

The honor was a proud moment for his mother.

"I am overwhelmed with pride. You cannot even imagine how my heart is beating, not only for the pride that I have in my son but for the honor that they paid to my late husband this evening. It was incredible," said Kim Deachilla.

"One big thing I always heard was that everyone in the community loved him too and hopefully that's something I can emulate," Patrick said.

He was also given his father's original police baton to carry with him on patrol.

Thirty-six new officers were sworn in during that ceremony at police headquarters Monday night.

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