Recognizing and honoring Maurice German for literally going above and beyond the call of duty to rescue an animal in distress.

WHEREAS, Mr. German is a lifelong Philadelphian who grew up in North Philadelphia and now resides in West Oak Lane. Mr. German has an Associate’s Degree from Community College of Philadelphia, and two daughters ages 19 & 18, his oldest is a college junior and his youngest a high school senior; and

WHEREAS, Mr. German is a member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 13000 and started as a lineman with Verizon in 2007 where his duties include replacing copper and fiber cables, utility poles, guide wires (support wires from pole to pole), conduit and the occasional pet rescue; and

WHEREAS, Mr. German and his crew were working in the Port Richmond Neighborhood on Saturday, March 16th when he was approached by a neighbor with a strange request for help. It seems that a cat, “Momma”, somehow climbed to the top of a utility pole and was stuck since 10:30 pm the night before; and

WHEREAS, Momma’s owners tried unsuccessfully to rescue her from the top of the utility pole for several hours Friday evening; and

WHEREAS, Mr. German and his crew, after completing their current job in the area, set up their safety zone around their bucket truck and used their specific training and skill set to rescue Momma from the top of the utility pole; and

WHEREAS, Mr. German and crew were able to reunite Momma safely to the arms of her owner while a gathered crowd cheered and thanked this Verizon crew for going above and beyond to aid an animal in this time of need; and

WHEREAS, After the cheers, several thank yous and a few pictures, Mr. German and his crew, like most heroes, rode off in to the sunset to finish the rest of their workday; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and honor Maurice German for his selflessness and compassion for an animal in need.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Maurice German, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End