SOUTH PHILLY: Enjoying National Night Out

by Maria Merlino
The kickoff rally celebration in Marconi Park for the 8th annual Philadelphia National Night Out is an opportunity for police, the community and businesses to come together and renew their relationship, and their efforts, to make all of Philadelphia neighborhoods safe.
Monday, Aug. 3, was the official kickoff rally celebration in Marconi Park for the National Night Out, held on Aug. 4, the first Tuesday in August.
“Town Watch Integrated Services is raising community awareness to prevent crime. Its advisory board works throughout the year to educate the neighbors on crime prevention. But it’s not just one or two nights. Everyone needs to be engaged 365 days a year because that’s the only way we can truly have a meaningful result in our community. Be involved and stay involved. If neighbors will take ownership of some of the issues and problems, they can work with us. You would be surprised at all of the positive things that will come of it,” said Capt. Frank Milillo of the 1st District.
Capt. Deborah Francis and Lt. Jennifer Penn, both high-ranking female officers in the 17th District, lead by example in the community.
“We hold ourselves up to a higher standard to the youth in the community,” said Capt. Francis. “We lead by showing that a police officer is a friend, not an enemy. Many times I have teachable moments with parents who think they can discipline a child with threats, such as, ‘if you don’t be good, I’m calling the police’, but that only re-enforces a child’s fright of the law.” Lt. Penn, who has a mother a two sisters on the force, also hears negative remarks but she handles the situation to the best of her ability. “I often hear people say ‘ Oh you don’t live here, you don’t know what it’s like’, but I say that I work here. I love my job. I love the 17th District. I spend most of my days here and I’m also part of the community. This is a job where it’s always in the back of my mind that I might not ever be going home protecting the community.”

3RD DIST. Police Capt. Frank Milillo, Police liaison Russell Shoemaker and 1st Dist. Capt. Lou Campione engage with community to join with law enforcement to take a stand against crime.

NOT ONLY is 17th Dist. Lt. Jennifer Penn an outstanding police officer, but is also an accomplished singer who wowed the crowd with her rendition of “Listen” from Dream Girls soundtrack. Her voice is good enough to be on “American Idol” but she modestly says she is “just a karaoke singer and I have no plans for Broadway in the future, as I love my job with the Police Dept.”

FROM THE 17TH DIST., Capt. Deborah Francis and Lt. Jennifer Penn make efforts every day to raise awareness about safety in neighborhoods. Photo by Maria Merlino

COMMUNITY POLICE Officer Juan “Ace” Delgado is having a good time with Rennie Mayo, school mates, Shakirah Thomas, 8, and Nkayla Smith-Covington, 9, who enjoyed face painting and backpacks from City Controller Alan Butkovitz.

COMMUNITY OFFICER Juan “Ace” Delgado, center, received award for Outstanding Community Service form Carnetta Dickerson and Tyrique Glasgow. Photos by Maria Merlino

SOUTH of South Street Neighbors Association turned its little park at 22nd & Carpenter into festive Night Out celebration. In photo are Gus Scherbaum, Inez Cruz and Program Coordinator Abby Rambo, who encourage residents to become a clean block rep to keep their neighborhoods spotless and safe.

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