WHEREAS, As a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School and the son of a correctional officer, Commissioner Giorla began his career with the Philadelphia Prisons System (PPS) as a correctional officer at the House of Correction in July 1982. After rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Captain in 1998 and was named Director of the Prisons Internal Affairs Division not long thereafter. Lou was eventually promoted to Warden in 2005; and
WHEREAS,
Lou Giorla was promoted to Acting Prison Commissioner in January 2008; the appointment was made permanent just two months later, on March 26, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Giorla and his team have developed the PPS into one of the most innovative systems in the entire United States, which is responsible for an average of 8,000 inmates on a daily basis; and
WHEREAS, During his career, Commissioner Giorla, through his relentless motivation and dedication to the PPS, has implemented numerous programs for inmates, including New Leash on Life and Roots to Reentry, that have helped to reduce recidivism rates in Philadelphia. PPS has an inmate program participation rate of 80 percent. Lou also routinely encourages his staff to continue their education and actively pursue promotions and career development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, In a partnership with the Philadelphia’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board, the prison population in Philadelphia has been reduced by 10% under the direction of Commissioner Giorla and his leadership; and
WHEREAS, During Pope Francis’ historic visit to Philadelphia the Pope visited Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, Commissioner Giorla led the staff as they coordinated with multiple City and federal agencies to execute a flawless Papal visit. This historic visit by Pope Francis marked the first time that a Pope has visited a prison in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Lou will spend his retirement with his wife Debbie, three children and six grandchildren; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Commissioner Louis Giorla of the Philadelphia Prison System for thirty-four years of service to the City of Philadelphia.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Commissioner Louis Giorla as further evidence of the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body.
End