Legislation Details

File #: 260597    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: IN COUNCIL - FINAL PASSAGE
File created: 5/28/2026 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action:
Title: Honoring Captain Walter Burks and the dedicated officers and staff of the 35th Philadelphia Police District for their leadership, commitment to public safety, and service to the residents of Philadelphia
Sponsors: Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Harrity, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Ahmad
Title
Honoring Captain Walter Burks and the dedicated officers and staff of the 35th Philadelphia Police District for their leadership, commitment to public safety, and service to the residents of Philadelphia

Body
WHEREAS, The 35th Philadelphia Police District serves approximately 153,000 residents across 5.8 square miles in the City of Philadelphia, providing critical law enforcement services, community engagement, crime prevention initiatives, and neighborhood support to one of the City's most active and diverse communities; and

WHEREAS, Captain Walter Burks currently serves as Commanding Officer of the 35th Philadelphia Police District and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, integrity, and dedication in overseeing district operations, personnel management, public safety strategies, and community-oriented policing initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Captain Burks began his distinguished career with the Philadelphia Police Department as a Police Officer, where he maintained peace and public safety through street patrol, crime investigations, crime reduction efforts, and meaningful community engagement throughout the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, As a Police Sergeant, Captain Burks served as a first-line supervisor responsible during daily operations and major events, while also serving in leadership capacities within the Narcotics Strike Force overseeing complex drug-related investigations; and

WHEREAS, As Lieutenant, Captain Burks helped to ensure fairness, equity, recruitment, retention, and accountability throughout the Department, while also contributing to leadership development and training at the Philadelphia Police Training Bureau; and
WHEREAS, Captain Burks also played an instrumental role in promoting citizen engagement and communication through Public Safety Area meetings, strategic community education initiatives, and the implementation of the ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) Project to strengthen ethical interv...

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