Resolution 260598

..Title Honoring and recognizing Captain Stuart McCoullum and the officers and staff of the Philadelphia Police Department's 14th District for their leadership, service, and commitment to public safety and community engagement. ..Body WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Police Department's 14th District, serving the neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Cedarbrook, Germantown, and surrounding communities, plays a critical role in maintaining public safety, fostering community trust, and protecting the quality of life for residents throughout Northwest Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Police Captain Stuart McCoullum assumed leadership of the 14th District in March 2025, bringing with him more than twenty-seven years of distinguished service within the Philadelphia Police Department, including assignments in patrol operations, highway patrol, and the Homicide Task Force; and WHEREAS, Captain McCoullum, a native of Northwest Philadelphia and graduate of the city's communities he now serves, has demonstrated a deep personal and professional commitment to the residents of the 14th District; and WHEREAS, Under Captain McCoullum's leadership, the 14th District has achieved measurable reductions in violent crime despite significant staffing shortages and operational challenges, including a reported 47.37 percent decrease in homicides, substantial reductions in shootings, and improved public safety outcomes through strategic deployment and community-centered policing practices; and WHEREAS, Captain McCoullum has instilled within the officers, supervisors, and civilian staff of the 14th District a philosophy rooted in dignity, professionalism, and service, reminding all personnel to "treat someone the way you would want to be treated," thereby strengthening trust between police officers and the communities they serve; and WHEREAS, The officers and staff of the 14th District continue to demonstrate unwavering dedication and resilience while operating with limited resources, maintaining a visible presence in neighborhoods most impacted by violence, and working tirelessly to ensure safer streets for families, businesses, schools, and community institutions; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes that effective public safety is strengthened through collaboration, trust, and meaningful engagement between law enforcement and the community, values displayed daily by Captain McCoullum and the personnel of the 14th District; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Police Captain Stuart McCoullum and the officers and staff of the Philadelphia Police Department's 14th District for their outstanding service, leadership, professionalism, and dedication to improving public safety and community relations throughout Northwest Philadelphia; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Police Captain Stuart McCoullum and representatives of the 14th District as evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. ..End