Resolution 230015

..Title Honoring and congratulating Cadet 2nd Lt. Kaheem Bailey-Taylor for receiving the Medal of Heroism, the U.S. Army's highest honor for JTROC students, for his bravery in the face of gun violence. ..Body WHEREAS, 17-year-old Bailey-Taylor, Strawberry Mansion resident, and student of Philadelphia Military Academy (PMA) was leaving a birthday party one night when he heard gunshots ring out; and WHEREAS, Instead of fleeing, Bailey-Taylor turned around, heading into harm's way knowing his friends and family were still present at the party; and WHEREAS, Bailey-Taylor, discovering that three of his cousins as well as his friend were shot, his friend with the most severe injury, sprang into action; and WHEREAS, Bailey-Taylor, using his military school first aid training and lifeguard skills, attended to his wounded friend, attempted to stop the bleeding with a hoodie, even using his own fingers to plug the wound; and WHEREAS, Bailey-Taylor waited with his friend until the police arrived and stayed with him as he was rushed to the hospital, all the while applying pressure to the wound as his friend begged Bailey-Taylor not to let him die; and WHEREAS, Bailey-Taylor then successfully turned over care of his friend to staff at Temple University Hospital, who is expected to make a full recovery; and WHEREAS, Bailey-Taylor, a model student and mentor to the younger cadets of PMA, is an active member of its chapter of the Army JTROC; and WHEREAS, Bailey- Taylor, received a rare honor, reserved for cadets who distinguish themselves in an act of heroism through "acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibility"; and WHEREAS, Bailey-Taylor, already a standout member of his local community, continues to make his family proud as a decorated JTROTC cadet and role model to all young people in Philadelphia and around the country; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honoring and congratulating Cadet 2nd Lt. Kaheem Bailey-Taylor for receiving the Medal of Heroism, the U.S. Army's highest honor for JTROC students, for his bravery in the face of gun violence. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Cadet 2nd Lt. Kaheem Bailey-Taylor in recognition of his award, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End