Recognizing and honoring the memory and civic contribution of Sergeant Rafael Ali, a 10-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Force with the 39th District until his untimely death. Sergeant Ali served Philadelphia, and its inhabitants, with honor and distinction, earning a special place in the hearts of those in his community, his family, the Police Force and fellow Philadelphians.

WHEREAS, Sergeant Rafael Ali was born in Philadelphia on July 19, 1983. He was the third son of Drew and Amina Ali; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ali graduated from Central High School, was accepted into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and subsequently was accepted into the Philadelphia Police Academy in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ali served as a member of the Philadelphia Police Force for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Early in Sergeant Ali’s police career with the Philadelphia Police Department, he served as a Corporal in the 24th Police District and as a member of the Police Detention Unit; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ali was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant on January 31, 2014 and was dispatched to the 39th Police District; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ali was the loving father of two, a daughter and a son. Close friends of Sergeant Ali describe him as a “doting father”; and

WHEREAS, Coworkers of Sergeant Ali characterize him as a “meticulous,” “hardworking” and “kind” individual. One officer noted Sergeant Ali’s selfless devotion to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Rafael Ali died on August 23, 2015 in an unfortunate car accident in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, just one day before his daughter’s birthday; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ali is survived by his two children, Josephine Ali and Rafael Ali, Jr.; his niece, Jada Dawson-Ali; his two brothers Alhambra Ali and Seville Ali; and his parents, Drew and Amina Ali; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that Council does hereby recognize, honor, the life and civic contributions of Sergeant Rafael Ali for his commitment to the service of our country, our city and our communities.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to the surviving family of Sergeant Rafael Ali as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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