WHEREAS, The 35th Philadelphia Police District serves approximately 153,000 residents across 5.8 square miles in the City of Philadelphia, providing critical law enforcement services, community engagement, crime prevention initiatives, and neighborhood support to one of the City’s most active and diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, Captain Walter Burks currently serves as Commanding Officer of the 35th Philadelphia Police District and has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, integrity, and dedication in overseeing district operations, personnel management, public safety strategies, and community-oriented policing initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Captain Burks began his distinguished career with the Philadelphia Police Department as a Police Officer, where he maintained peace and public safety through street patrol, crime investigations, crime reduction efforts, and meaningful community engagement throughout the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, As a Police Sergeant, Captain Burks served as a first-line supervisor responsible during daily operations and major events, while also serving in leadership capacities within the Narcotics Strike Force overseeing complex drug-related investigations; and
WHEREAS, As Lieutenant, Captain Burks helped to ensure fairness, equity, recruitment, retention, and accountability throughout the Department, while also contributing to leadership development and training at the Philadelphia Police Training Bureau; and
WHEREAS, Captain Burks also played an instrumental role in promoting citizen engagement and communication through Public Safety Area meetings, strategic community education initiatives, and the implementation of the ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement) Project to strengthen ethical intervention practices and equitable policing within the Philadelphia Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Since assuming command of the 35th District in 2024, Captain Burks has overseen more than one hundred police officers, supervisors, and managers while directing crime prevention tactics, manpower distribution, personnel evaluations, risk mitigation strategies, and neighborhood-focused public safety initiatives that strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, The officers, supervisors, civilian personnel, and leadership team of the 35th Philadelphia Police District continue to demonstrate unwavering commitment, courage, professionalism, and compassion in service to the residents of Philadelphia through community partnerships, public safety programs, and responsive policing efforts; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice demonstrated daily by the members of the 35th Police District and acknowledges their vital contributions toward creating safer neighborhoods and fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Captain Walter Burks and the dedicated officers and staff of the 35th Philadelphia Police District for their leadership, service, and commitment to protecting and serving the people of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Captain Walter Burks and the 35th Philadelphia Police District as evidence of the sincere respect, admiration, and appreciation of this legislative body.
End