WHEREAS, March 15, 2001, began like most other days for Deputy Sheriff George Sternberger, who, as a Deputy since 1987 has seen his share of the anger, sadness and various other emotions that pervade the criminal trials he attends in the performance of his duties; and
WHEREAS, He could not have known that the defendant he was escorting from the courtroom to an anteroom had a homemade knife, fashioned out of a bucket handle. He could not have imagined that the defendant would stab him on the left side and chin, and grab his pistol from its holster at the same time. And he never could have known that the defendant would actually fire the pistol, despite Deputy Sternberger's amazing courage in jamming his thumb between the hammer and the pistol to prevent it from firing; and
WHEREAS, Once the "panic button" in the courtroom had been hit, and order was restored, Deputy Sternberger was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital later that day. And, while this courageous Vietnam Veteran acknowledges that there were others who helped stop the very dangerous situation, which involved kicking and stabbing and attempted shooting, it was he who literally put himself between the defendant and the rest of the people in that crowded courtroom; and
WHEREAS, Although Deputy Sternberger would probably wish to deny his heroism, we are persuaded that his quick actions, even though he was already badly wounded, saved an untold number of lives. We are grateful to him for his bravery and for the high example of public service he sets; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Deputy Sheriff George Sternberger. We applaud his commitment and pay tribute to his courage.
FURTHER RESOLVED, Than an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Sheriff George L. Sternberger as evidence of the sincere respect and deep admiration of this legislative body.
End