WHEREAS, As a former New York City street cop turned deputy commissioner, John Timoney arrived in Philadelphia in a bleak February 1998, bringing dogged experience and unbridled optimism to a City desperately trying to escape from many winters of discontent, but still hopeful for change; and
WHEREAS, The new Police Commissioner brought a blunt, charismatic, persuasive, reassuring, charming, pugnacious, principled, articulate, sagacious, intense, reasonable, disciplined, smart, and humorous personality to our police force, our City and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Timoney’s engaging personality coupled with his innovative management techniques led to dramatic changes in our City’s Police Department. These remarkable changes include revamping the Police Academy curriculum, instituting longer, more intense driver training programs, encouraging more officers to pursue college degrees, restructuring the Department’s command structure, developing and implementing a computer and statistical analysis system to isolate high crime zones, and appointing the first woman to head a City police division; and
WHEREAS, The Commissioner’s efforts led to homicide rates dropping to all-time lows, to crime statistics we could trust, to a police force committed to continuing education, to a cop at every block, and, most importantly, to a contagious confidence that positive changes would continue under his unrelenting watch; and
WHEREAS, He brought out the best in his officers, encouraging them to think outside the box, restoring morale and encouraging each officer to achieve his or her potential. He was never afraid to admit he made a mistake but was always quick to share the accolades with his officers. By eliminating political influence and demanding accountability from all officers, he raised the bar and made our officers stand taller and prouder; and
WHEREAS, This native son of Dublin has been embraced by his adopted City of Philadelphia, becoming as much an icon as the Liberty Bell or a cheesesteak. Whether chasing down pursesnatchers in Rittenhouse Square, rowing on the Schuylkill, reading James Joyce at an Irish pub, or comforting a wounded officer and his family, he has been visible and accessible to all Philadelphians; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADLEPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Police Commissioner John Timoney. We thank him for his fine work and dedication to the citizens of Philadelphia, and wish him success and fulfillment now and forever.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to John Timoney as evidence of the gratitude, admiration and sincere respect of this legislative body.
End