WHEREAS, On the afternoon of Friday, February 13, 2004, at the start of evening rush hour, a twenty inch gas main was accidentally breached at an open excavation at the intersection of Ogontz and Olney Avenues; and
WHEREAS, The ruptured main ignited a fire that threatened to engulf structures in the surrounding communities and within minutes of the incident, the Office of the City Managing Director implemented the Emergency Plan of the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The City Managing Director coordinated the responses of officials from city departments, city agencies, utility companies, the private sector, LaSalle University and the American Red Cross to contain the fire and to secure the safety of the surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, LaSalle University offered its facilities and personnel for the purpose of allowing the Red Cross to set up a community emergency response center to provide shelter, food and housing for neighborhood residents at the Tom Gola Arena; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated men and women of the Philadelphia Police, Fire and Streets Departments, the Philadelphia Gas Works; the Philadelphia Water Department; the Philadelphia Electric Company; the Philadelphia School District, the Fairmont Park Commission, Licenses and Inspections, the Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, PENNDOT; Comcast Cablevision, Verizon Communications; LaSalle University, the Philadelphia City Managing Director’s Office worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of the community surrounding Ogontz and Olney Avenues and restored all utility, street services and access in the quickest time possible; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Philadelphia express to all involved in this massive undertaking, our sincere gratitude and appreciation for outstanding courage and competence in the face of difficult circumstances to prevent a dire situation from growing into a tragic one and for insuring that no lives were lost and no injuries were sustained as a result of this unforeseen event.
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and recognizes Phillip Goldsmith, The City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director and Fran Dougherty, Office of the Managing Director, who served as Project Manager commending them for their quick actions and prompt response to a major fire on February 13, 2004 that threatened to engulf the lives and properties of the near neighbors and surrounding communities.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Phillip Goldsmith, the City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End