WHEREAS,
Officer Young dedicated 28 years of service to the Philadelphia Police Department before he retired in 2016. He landed in the 12th district directly from the Philadelphia Police Academy, first serving as a patrol officer, then in the tactical unit, and eventually as the Community Relations Officer, a position he excelled at for 16 years; and
WHEREAS, Officer Young was a beloved figure throughout Southwest Philadelphia, bridging the gap between the police and the community through his organization of numerous community initiatives, including foreclosure prevention outreach, coat drives, food distributions, job fairs, toy drives, and annual benefits honoring thousands of Southwest residents; and
WHEREAS, He hosted the 12th District’s monthly community workshop, one of the largest police-community gatherings in the City, fostering communication and trust among residents and law enforcement; and
WHEREAS,
Officer Young was instrumental in organizing the Southwest Pride Day Parade and Street Festival, the 12th District Open House, annual Fun Day celebrations for local children, and numerous charitable efforts supporting families, seniors, service members, and disaster relief initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Officer Young’s dedication to serving Philadelphians earned him more than 100 community service and civic leadership awards in his lifetime. In 2011, he
won the prestigious George Fencl Award as Philadelphia’s top police officer; and
WHEREAS, Outside his professional achievements, he was a devoted husband and father, in addition to his leadership roles at church and in the community. He enriched countless lives with his compassion
; and
WHEREAS, Officer Young passed away in 2025 after a two-year battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love for the people of Southwest Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
Hereby honors 12th District Police Officer Joe Young by renaming the 6400 Block of Woodland Avenue to “Officer Joe Young Way” in recognition of his service to and protection of the Southwest Philadelphia community;
and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed Copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Officer Joe Young as recognition of his dedication to public safety.
End