Honoring and Recognizing Officer Bernard "Bernie" Turner, Badge #4544, for his exemplary service in light of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department.

WHEREAS, Mr. Bernard “Bernie” Turner was born on July 23rd, 1965. He grew up in North Philadelphia and was described as an intelligent, ambitious, and generous young man who loved sports and music. Mr. Bernard attended Leslie Pinckney Elementary School, Thomas Fitzsimon Junior High, and Murrell Dobbins Voc-Technical High School, where he specialized in welding; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bernard has always had a knack for assisting others and uplifting the community. After perfecting a trade, he continued taking Fire Science classes at the Community College of Philadelphia. He took the examination to become a police officer and excelled. He entered the Police Academy on May 22nd, 1989. Soon after, he was chosen to be the Platoon Leader of Class 280B; and

WHEREAS, He served in various capacities through his tenure with the Philadelphia Police Department. From 1989-1999, Bernie was assigned to the 23rd District as a Patrol Officer. In 2000, Officer Turner was handpicked to be 22nd Community Beat Four. In this role, he ensured the safety and wellbeing of the community and students. His final transition was to Captain of the 22nd District Office, where Bernie continued to his caring nature; and

WHEREAS, One of his most memorable contributions was his heroic response on May 15, 2017, during a journey to Police Memorial Week in Washington, D.C. While traveling on I-95, the chartered bus carrying children and adults from the C.W. Henry Elementary School experienced a catastrophic accident. Without hesitation, Officer Turner took immediate and decisive action, rendering first aid to the injured, offering comfort to those in distress, and ensuring that relatives of the injured were promptly notified of the situation; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his stellar work as a police officer, Bernie is a man of many hobbies. He is a season ticket holder with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is an avid music listener and collector, and his collection expands beyond 3,000 CDs. He also sits on various committees at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, he was awarded the George Fencl Award given by the Daily News Paper, which showcases the work he has done as an officer. His Alma Mater, Fitzsimon Junior High School, inducted him into their Hall of Fame. Shortly after, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Dobbins Technical High School; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is lucky to have had an exemplary and dedicated leader like Officer Turner within their Police Department. On behalf of this legislative body, we thank and commend Officer Turner for his service and wish him a well-deserved retirement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors Officer Bernard “Bernie” Turner, Badge #4544, for his exemplary service in light of his retirement from the Philadelphia Police Department.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Officer Bernard “Bernie” Turner, in recognition and awe of this legislative body.

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