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Congratulating and honoring Joseph A. Lukaitis, Sr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department after 24 years of dedicated service to the residents of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Philadelphia Police Officer Joseph A. Lukaitis joined the Philadelphia Police Department in June of 1996 and was assigned to the 39th Police District on December 3, 1996; and
WHEREAS, Officer Lukaitis’ first assignment was as a “Cops Ahead Officer,” being assigned to walk particular streets as a beat such as: Somerset Street, Cambria Street, and Indiana Avenue from 22nd to 27th Street. On February 12, 1999, Officer Lukaitis began training to work as a Narcotics Officer, which was his assignment until 2003; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Officer Lukaitis was extended the opportunity to oversee Crime Prevention in Philadelphia. After serving in this role for over a decade, Officer Lukaitis was promoted to the Community Relations Officer of the 39th Police District in 2016. Officer Lukaitis served in this position until his retirement on December 4, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Officer Lukaitis worked diligently to serve the residents of Philadelphia and proudly helped build community relationships with the 39th Police District Officers. He has partnered with the 39th Police District Advisory Council (PDAC), the 39th Police Clergy, and community groups to tirelessly help change the narrative and redefine the concept of community policing; and
WHEREAS, Officer Lukaitis has provided numerous resources and events to help those in need, such as: the “39th Police District Food Pantry and Food Drive,” “Coffee with a Cop,” “Toys for Tots,” “Peace Day,” “Faith and Blue,” as well as prayer walks, community clean-ups, coat drives, diaper distributions, and job opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Joseph A. Lukaitis has provided community residents in it 39th Police District with an everlasting impact. In addition to his outpouring of generosity and commitment to serving the community, he has been devoted to serving and listening to the needs of youth. He has helped youth become apart of something bigger than themselves and supported Youth Aide Panels for the 39th Police District. His examples of integrity and leadership have been influential in redefining the responsibilities and roles of community policing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby congratulates and honors Joseph A. Lukaitis, Sr. on the occasion of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Joseph A. Lukaitis as further evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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