By: Denise Foley

Philadelphia Highway Patrolman Richard Decoatsworth received his Ring of Honor sash on Thursday night.

Supporters of the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade got to mingle with their favorite on-air personalities from CBS3, which broadcasts the parade live every year, on Thursday, March 5, at the first big parade kick-off event.

This year's parade honors Philadelphia's fallen and injured police officers, and one, Richard Decoatsworth, who last year was shot and followed his assailant, radioing in his description, before he collapsed due to blood loss, was on hand to accept his parade sash.

We were there and took lots of pictures so you could feel like you were there too, but without the seafood buffet. 

Check out our photo essay.

Watch the slideshow.