Resolution 080818

..Title Also naming Morrell Ave. from Academy Road to Frankford Ave. and the streets at the intersection of North 17th and Dauphin Streets in honor of Sergeant Patrick McDonald, Badge No. 2831. ..Body WHEREAS, Sergeant Patrick McDonald was appointed to the Philadelphia Police Department on January 24, 2000; and WHEREAS, On July 1, 2007, Sergeant McDonald was assigned to the Highway Patrol Unit - Line Squad; and WHEREAS, On September 23, 2008, Sergeant McDonald was on patrol when he stopped a vehicle occupied by two men. Sergeant McDonald asked the suspect to exit the vehicle, but the suspect jumped out of the driver's side door and fled on foot. Sergeant McDonald pursued the suspect for several blocks while requesting back-up officers to respond; and WHEREAS, Sergeant McDonald caught up with the suspect at the corner of North 17th and Dauphin Streets. Sergeant McDonald and the suspect engaged in a violent struggle, during which the suspect drew a .45-caliber handgun and shot Sgt. McDonald several times; and WHEREAS, The suspect was killed by another officer in a running gun battle, in which the pursuing officer was also wounded; and WHEREAS, At the time he was killed, Officer McDonald was about to be promoted to the rank of sergeant, and was posthumously promoted at his funeral by the Police Commissioner; and WHEREAS, Sergeant McDonald was 30 years old when he died, having served with the Philadelphia Police Department for eight years; and WHEREAS, Sergeant McDonald resided at 3608 Whitehall Lane; and WHEREAS, Sergeant McDonald is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Patricia, and his sister, Megan; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the dedicated service by Police Officer Sergeant Patrick McDonald and to further memorialize the sacrifice he made by serving and protecting the citizens of Philadelphia; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor the life and service of this dedicated public servant by also naming the 3600 block of Whitehall Lane and the streets at the intersection of North 17th and Dauphin Streets in honor of Sergeant Patrick McDonald, Badge No. 2831. ..End