The 8th Police District Advisory Council recently honored two police officers as Officers of the Month, and presented three individuals and a business with community service awards.
Officers Harry Taylor and Charlie Squares were honored for their work on April 18, which started with the report of a car break-in. The suspects fled in a gray Hyundai Sonata, arriving at an apartment complex at 2650 Welsh Road before fleeing. The officers caught three of the four suspects, and the alleged offenders have been charged with aggravated assault against police, recklessly endangering another person, theft and simple assault.
“They make quality, quality arrests over and over,” said Capt. Nick DeBlasis, commander of the 8th district.
Receiving community service awards were Liam Cywinski, Declan Cassidy, Linda Colwell-Smith and McMenamin Family ShopRite.
Liam is completing seventh grade at Our Lady of Calvary, and was recognized for his volunteer efforts, including at Caring for Friends.
Declan is finishing his freshman year at Swenson Arts and Technology. He runs the Socks for the Streets charity to benefit the homeless and works closely with Toys for Tots, among many volunteer duties.
Colwell-Smith was nominated by Elsie Stevens. Among her many volunteer jobs are president of the Friends of Torresdale Library, co-president of the board of Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia, vice president of the Holme Circle Civic Association and board member of the Torresdale Recreation Center. She also assists local nonprofits in applying for Philadelphia Activities Fund grants.
Stevens also nominated the ShopRite at Frankford and Morrell avenues, which won the Business Gives Back to the Community award. The supermarket was honored for making monetary and/or refreshment donations to local groups and food pantries. ••
