PPF Events and Police Initiatives

Market Street Run for Blue

October 20, 2024

This year’s Run for Blue was a huge success with more than 1,500 runners, walkers, volunteers, and community members present to celebrate law enforcement and to honor the sacrifices that our men and women in blue make daily. Thank you to our participants and sponsors – especially lead sponsors Johnson Controls, Inc., the Laborers’ Union, and Wawa.

This truly is a special event. The good vibes, positive energy, and support was especially meaningful for the families of our Final Mile Honorees, fallen Officers, Sergeant Richard Carrero Mendez and Sergeant Jaime Junior Roman.

Thank you to 6abc anchor Sarah Bloomquist, PPD First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford, and Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla for being a part of the morning’s festivities. Also, a big shout out to all the teams! We had more than 40 teams with hundreds of runners and walkers representing sponsors, law enforcement agencies, neighborhoods, running clubs, schools and honoring fallen and injured Officers. Please check out our Run for Blue pictures and Highlight Video below. Thank you to PPD Officer Ian Nance for creating the video from the Drone coverage!

Click here to learn more about the Market Street Run For Blue

We look forward to seeing everyone on Market Street next year! Spread the word!

Police Appreciation Day

October 15, 2024

The first of two planned Police Appreciation Days this year was held on October 10th. In collaboration with Wawa, the Philadelphia Police Foundation funds breakfast and lunch for all police districts, detective divisions, and select units across the City of Philadelphia! We will reach the remaining special units on the 2nd Police Appreciation Day scheduled for December 6th.

This event, now in its third year, has become an impactful PPF initiative with a simple yet important goal: Show every Philly Police Officer that the community truly appreciates them!

PPF attended the afternoon roll calls at the 24th and 25th Districts, where we conveyed a message of gratitude from our Board of Directors and supporters. This visit was especially poignant as we remembered the recent loss of Officer Jaime Roman, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community. We also honored Officer Richard Carrero Mendez, who was taken from us too soon while serving at the Airport Unit, but whose legacy continues to resonate within the 25th District. Our condolences were shared with the supervisors and officers, and we deeply appreciated their unwavering bravery during these challenging times.

Thank you to our supporters for making this happen.

Major Investment in Public Safety

October 10, 2024

Among a large and enthusiastic crowd of children, high schoolers, parents, police officers, and elected officials, Senator Jimmy Dillon announced that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will invest $5.2 million to enhance public safety in Philadelphia. Senator Dillon was joined by Mayor Cherelle Parker, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, State Senator Vincent Hughes, PPF President Maureen Rush, PPF Board Member Janice Tangradi, and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson to share that these funds will be used for the following purposes:

• Vehicle Nuisance Abatement
• Enhanced School Safety
• Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD)
• Ring Camera Initiative
• Police Equipment and Training
• Promoting Law Enforcement Careers

PPF is honored to be a part of this investment, receiving funds to install high-tech cameras at 12 locations in Northeast Philadelphia, including playgrounds, shopping centers, and community spaces.

Click here to learn more about this momentous support and to view video and pictures.