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Recognizing and honoring the officers of the Philadelphia Police Force and declaring Thursday, May 17th, 2012, "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day," in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Police Department is oldest municipal police agency in the United States, and the sixth largest non-federal law enforcement agency in the country; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia police department is charged with the service and protection of Philadelphia, over 140 square-miles and approximately 1.5 million residents; and
WHEREAS, The history of the Philadelphia Police Department may be traced back to the City's first patrol in 1663 by Hans Block in the Swedish Settlement, and officially to 1751 when the General Assembly established the first paid police patrol; and
WHEREAS, Today the Philadelphia Police Department employs over 6,600 sworn officers and more than 800 civilians. These highly trained professionals dedicate their lives to the safety and security of all Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Since 1828, more than 260 officers have given their lives in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in order that all Philadelphians may continue to enjoy the safety our Law Enforcement forces provide; and
WHEREAS, The stated mission of the Philadelphia Police Department is to be a model of excellence in policing by working in partnership with the community and others: to fight crime and the fear of crime, including terrorism; enforce laws while safeguarding the constitutional rights of all people; provide quality service to all residents and visitors; and to create a work environment in which to recruit, train, and develop an exceptional team of employees; and
WHEREAS, The Law Enforcement personnel that serve Philadelphia are extraordinary examples of civic duty, honor and bravery; and the caliber of professionalism and leadership demonstrated by Philadelphia police officers is to be commended; now therefore,
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILAD...
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