Capt. John Walker, commander of the 15th Police District., introduced himself to members of the Tacony Civic Association.
Walker, who arrived in the 15th on Dec. 3, was joined by Lt. Don West and two foot patrol officers. He replaced Capt. Anthony Luca, who is now in Highway Patrol.
Walker spoke of attending a meeting earlier in the day about a planned elementary/middle school for 1,000 students at or near the Abraham Lincoln High School campus. He said it will be a challenge to coordinate pickup and dropoff of students.
“I don’t know how they’re going to do it. I wish them luck,” he said.
Walker urged people to be smart, noting that more than half of the stolen cars in the district occurred because the engines were running.
“It doesn’t take long for a car to warm up,” he said.
Walker said that, while Tacony is home to foot patrols, the district’s bicycle patrols are based in Frankford.
In response to questions, Walker said District Attorney Larry Krasner does not seem to prioritize drug and prostitution prosecutions. He reminded civic members that Krasner is up for re-election in two years.
West encouraged residents of the 15th district to contact him at donald.west@phila.gov.
In other news from the March 13 meeting:
• Paul Ragan, an aide to City Councilman Bobby Henon, provided an update of his office’s activities.
A talent show for people 50 and older will take place on Wednesday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. The event will feature door prizes, free lunch, games and entertainment.
There will be a paper-shredding and electronics disposal event on Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Delaire Landing, 9355 State Road.
Henon has an office in Tacony at 6730 Torresdale Ave.
Call 215-686-3444.
• Chris Labovitz was nominated as first vice president of the civic association. Chris Sannutti was nominated as treasurer. The nominations are for two years, with the election in May.
• Tacony Library, Torresdale Avenue and Knorr Street, will hold a dedication for its recently installed Disston circular saw blade clock on a date to be determined.
• Al Stuhl, an aide to state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, said the lawmaker will be available to meet constituents on Saturday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ice Moon, 7260 Frankford Ave.
Hohenstein’s office is at 4725 Richmond St.
• The civic association will sponsor Coach Bingo on April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Sons of Italy, 4741 Friendship St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $36 and includes wine, beer and soft drinks. Bring your own snacks. There will be raffle baskets and a 50/50. Call 267-439-7689. ••
