Message from the Chief about Dallas, TX
We are saddened by the events that occurred in Dallas, TX. Chief Rush and all members of the Penn Police Department send our sympathy to the families of the fallen officers and to the entire Dallas Police Department and Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department (DART).
To the men and women of the Penn Police Department:
I write to you this morning with a very heavy heart.
Last night in downtown Dallas, TX just before 10pm while protecting a large group of protesters several snipers armed with automatic weapons positioned themselves on high ground in a triangular pattern and made history in carrying out the deadliest attack on police in the history of our country. These evil people filled with hatred against innocent police officers who were “doing their job” intended to kill as many innocent police officers as they could. They shot a total of 11 police officers and 1 civilian. Sadly, 5 of those 11 police officers have died and the others are in serious or critical condition.
It’s hard not to feel like being a police officer is a thankless job, or even feel like you’re hated by civilians. BUT DON’T BELIEVE THAT FOR A MINUTE. We know that the greater majority of citizens across this country DO appreciate the bravery and service of their police officers. At Penn, throughout University City and even our neighbors in West Philadelphia have great affection for the Penn Police Department and all of the members of the Division of Public Safety, including our security partners in Allied Barton. A day doesn’t go by without someone posting on our web feedback line or calling my office to thank a Penn Police Officer for their assistance, generosity, professionalism and courage.
Just yesterday I received an email from Dr. Ed Dickinson thanking the Penn Police who responded to a large family fight inside the Presbyterian Trauma Center after the father of 15 adult children died. Ed wrote “Just want to give you a shout out to let you know how much I appreciated the rapid response, professionalism and collegiality of the Penn Police who responded to Presby this morning when we found ourselves confronted with a profoundly unreasonable, threatening and potentially violent large family unit of a medical patient who expired on the ED around :6:00 this morning. A job REALLY well done. Ed”
This is just one and most recent snapshot of how grateful our community is to have you protecting them. As you go about doing your job today and going forward, don’t ever forget that YOU are appreciated by me, my Command Staff, Directors, President Gutmann, EVP Carnaroli and Provost Price. Hold your head high, do what you always do Protect and Serve our community. BUT, also be very mindful of your safety and ensure that you are backing each other up quickly. PennComm personnel also have your back via our CCTV network.
There was a picture in the NY Times of the Dallas Police and Medical Staff making a ring around the entrance of the Emergency Department holding onto to each other. I have attached this photo and it will be posted on the Plasma Screen too. I think this depicts the amount of grief and solidarity the police and civilians, in this case the medical staff, have right now. Everyone is in shock, as I know you all are…I know I am.
BE SAFE OUT THERE!!!!!
Chief
Photo via The New York Times: Ralph Lauer/European Pressphoto Agency