Recognizing and honoring our neighbors from Harrowgate and the Philadelphia Firefighters and Police Officers first responders for their quick response to the devastating Amtrak train derailment that took place on May 12, 2015.

WHEREAS, On the night of May 12, 2015 Amtrak Northeast Regional Train # 188 with over 230 passengers and crew on board left Philadelphia's 30th Street station bound for New York City; and

WHEREAS, The fateful trip would end in tragedy as train 188 approached the curve at the Frankford Junction, near the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Wheatsheaf Lane, in the Harrowgate section of the City and derailed; and

WHEREAS, Without regard for their own personal safety the nearby residents of Harrowgate sprang into action and felt compelled to assist in any way possible the passengers and crew of train 188; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Harrowgate were the first responders on the scene even before the Philadelphia Firefighters and Police Officers first responders arrived; and

WHEREAS; Residents climbed through the wreckage and searched for those in need with flashlights and cell phones in hand to light the way through the darkness of smoke and night; and

WHEREAS, We will never forget those that were lost and know that they and will always be in our hearts; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Harrowgate along with the responding Fire Department, Police, SEPTA and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) were able to assist the passengers and crew and possibly saved lives with their quick action; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize and honor our neighbors from Harrowgate and the Philadelphia First Responders for their quick response to the devastating Amtrak train derailment that took place on May 12, 2015.

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