Stay Informed!

Josephs honors local residents at 17th Police District event, Legislator also honored for her dedication to law enforcement

Legislator also honored for her dedication to law enforcement

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., said she was proud to honor three members of the Philadelphia community for their dedication to the city and their neighbors during an event Saturday sponsored by the 17^th Police District at Wharton Square.

During the Police District's "Fun and Safety Day," which was held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Josephs handed out coloring books to children and presented legislative citations to Philadelphia residents and businesses. Josephs herself was also given a plaque by the 17^th Police District, and its Certificate of Appreciation, in recognition of her dedication to and support of their Officer of the Month program.

"Law enforcement in our community has a difficult and sometimes stressful job, but officers of the 17^th Police District have always gone the extra mile to be involved in this community on several levels," she said. "They care about the residents they protect and serve, and I will continue to support their efforts in the community and their dedication to their job and the city."

Saturday's event was attended by hundreds of children and their parents from the Gray's Ferry and Point Breeze neighborhoods. Josephs took the opportunity of the event to officially honor three area residents by presenting them with legislative citations.

Honorees included:

Frankford Candy and Chocolate Co. – The company, established in Philadelphia in 1947 by Sam Himmelstein and now located in northeast Philadelphia, is one of the largest confectionary licensing companies in America. Each year, the company donates candies and chocolates to the community for the 17^th Police District event, as well as for Halloween, Valentine's Day, Christmas and other holidays.

Jerome Whack – A pharmacist at Christian Street Pharmacy, Mr. Whack employs residents from the local neighborhood and also delivers medication to customers who cannot come to the pharmacy. He has been serving customers and other residents of the neighborhood for 27 years.

Philip La Placa – Mr. La Placa has donated dozens of computers to numerous children throughout Philadelphia. Last year, he donated a computer and toys to a family in need and also donated 10 computers to children in local schools.