Honoring, recognizing and commending Philadelphia Police Officer Kimberly Lyons, Officer Antonio Soto, Officer Gregory Giacomelli, Officer Michael McCormick, Officer Jerome Joseph, and Officer Evelyn Reyes for their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage resulting in all being named 39th Police District Officers of the Month for December 2012.

WHEREAS, On December 17, 2012, at approximately 12:34 PM, a mini-van, crashed through the front doors of the Deliverance Evangelistic Church, located 2001 West Lehigh Avenue.

WHEREAS, Inside the church was an occupied daycare center with children as young as three years of age. After crashing through the front doors, the van continued into the daycare at which point three (3) children were struck and became trapped underneath the vehicle.

WHEREAS, Prior to police arrival a civilian was able to remove one child from under the vehicle. A five-year-old female still remained trapped under the vehicle. Officer Joseph and Officer Reyes were the first officers to arrive on scene and immediately attempted to help free the child from underneath the vehicle.

WHEREAS, Officer Joseph, and Officer Reyes tried to lift the vehicle twice before additional Officers arrived to help. In a matter of seconds the remaining responding Officers arrived. Officer Joseph, Officer Reyes, Officer Lyons, Officer Soto, Officer Giacomelli, and Officer McCormick, and using only their hands, with no mechanical assistance, the Officers were able to lift the front-end of the vehicle off of the ground, which enabled the child to be freed from under the vehicle.

WHEREAS, The Officers then began to render first-aid to the injured children as well as the occupants of the van. After securing the scene, the Officers helped the staff of the daycare to ensure all students were accounted for. The injured parties were transported by Medics to local hospitals and were treated for injuries sustained during the accident.

WHEREAS, Officer Joseph, Officer Reyes, Officer Lyons, Officer Soto, Officer Giacomelli, and Officer McCormick, have worked tirelessly for the betterment of our City through the fair and equitable enforcement of the law. They have gone beyond the call of duty to perform in an exemplary manner, facing the stresses and dangers of their job with determination and dignity for the citizens of Philadelphia. They have brought pride to the Police Department and distinction to their badges; now therefore,

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor, recognize, and commend Officer Kimberly Lyons #4060, Officer Antonio Soto #6731, Officer Gregory Giacomelli #2440, Officer Michael McCormick #7300, Officer Jerome Joseph #2311, and Officer Evelyn Reyes #4863

for their extraordinary acts of bravery and courage resulting in all being named 39th Police District Officers of the Month for December 2012

.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Captain Craighead, the Commanding Officer of the 39th Police District as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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