WHEREAS
,
Rich Costello entered this world on April 6, 1951 as oldest child of Edward and Dorothy Costello. Born in Mayfair, Rich also has a younger brother Brian and sister, Amy. He is a lifelong resident of the Great Northeast and a devout Irish Catholic; and
WHEREAS
,
Rich took advantage of the educational opportunities afforded him by his parents, graduating from Holy Ghost Prep in 1969. He then attended Saint Joseph’s University, receiving his bachelors degree in Political Science; and
WHEREAS
,
Upon his graduation Rich embarked on a lengthy law enforcement career, joining the police department and graduating from the Police Academy in 1973; and
WHEREAS
,
In a heinous act of violence, Rich was shot in the face by an unknown assailant while still a rookie stationed in North Philadelphia. He endured months of intensive physical therapy to make a remarkable recovery; and
WHEREAS
,
Soon after healing
Rich met and eventually married Mary Ellen Byrne. Determined to start their own police force, they had five children together; Mike, Mary Kate, Jack, Jimmy and Elizabeth; and
WHEREAS
,
Seeking more fulfillment in his law enforcement career, Rich joined the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 in the late 1970’s. In addition to his FOP duties, Rich gradually rose through the ranks of the police department, from officer to detective, becoming a lieutenant in 1985 and finally earning the rank of captain in 1989; and
WHEREAS
,
Rich was first elected President of the FOP in 1988. A five- term president, Rich held the position until his retirement in October 2002. Rich has been honored as Person of the Year by numerous groups, including the Emerald Society, American Legion Post 937 and the Shomrim Society for his outstanding service to the citizens of Philadelphia; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Rich Costello for his hard work, dedication and distinguished service to the Philadelphia Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Rich Costello, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body. We wish him tremendous success in all of his future endeavors.
End