Honoring the Life of Gennaro Pellegrinni, Jr.

WHEREAS, On August 9, 2005 Gennaro Pellegrinni, Jr. along with four other Pennsylvania National Guard members where killed in an attack outside the northern town of Beji, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Gennaro not only served his country with dignity and valor in the streets of Iraq but also in his hometown of Philadelphia as a patrol officer in the 26th

Police District; and

WHEREAS, Gennaro took badge No. 3722 that was worn proudly by his father for 27 years before retiring from the force; and

WHEREAS, In his four short years on the force Gennaro received numerous commendations and gained the respect of his fellow officers including earning the nickname “One Punch Gerry” when a suspect pulled a gun on him and Gennaro proceeded to knock the suspect out cold with one well placed blow; and

WHEREAS, Gennaro won a Golden Gloves amateur boxing title in 1997 and participated in many charity boxing events; and

WHEREAS, One of Gennaro's dreams was to fight in the historic Blue Horizon which came true in May 2004 and he defeated his opponent in four rounds; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby Honor and Celebrate the Life of Gennaro Pellegrinni, Jr. a real Philadelphia fighter who not only protected us here in the streets of Philadelphia but gave the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life to protect the United States of America.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that an Engrossed copy of this resolution be given to the family of Gennaro Pellegrinni, Jr. as an expression of the sincere sentiments and admiration of this legislative body.

End