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Charles Knox Jr. was gunned down in 1992 at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue near Walgreens — then Roy Rodgers — where the officer was slain during a robbery in progress.
Last week, the 1st District awarded Officer John Smith, of the 1st Platoon, with an award in his honor — the Charles Knox Award. An officer from the other two squads, those serving more than 20 years, a late politician and a cheesesteak mogul also were recognized for their devotion to the district at its May 19 second annual banquet held at Galdo’s, 1935 W. Moyamensing Ave.
Smith, who started his career in 2004 in the 1st, has received four commendations and has been an arrest leader. His specialty has been talking fugitives into turning themselves in, including a man wanted for a homicide who was hiding in North Carolina.
Smith was honored by the praise.
“Charlie lost his life,” he said. “To be given an award in his name is an honor.”
Brian Younger, of the 3rd Platoon, was recognized with the James A. Rementer Award, which honors of an officer who died of a heart attack while moving oil drums outside district headquarters in 1985.
“He graciously assists all of his brother and sister officers, consistently demonstrating true fraternalism,” Lt. Joe Bologna said of Younger.
Younger has been with the 1st for less than two years, but has earned the respect of his peers also by his number of arrests that have consisted of aggravated assaults, narcotics and automobile thefts, and garnered him three commendations and two Fraternal Order of Police awards.
“It was a surprise, but I’m very excited to receive it,” he said of the honor voted by his squad mates.
Cpl. Jim Tsafos presented Daniel Rippert with the award named in his honor. Tsafos, shot twice in the neck while working in the district’s operations room, triumphed over a stroke, vision loss and seizures to earn his doctorate and now serves as a Drexel University academic advisor.
Rippert, who started his career with the 1st in 2007, has gained his coworkers’ and supervisors’ respect while maintaining perfect attendance.
“I was honored just to be nominated, let alone receive it,” Rippert said.
Lt. Steve Arch, Sgt. Phyllis Reynolds, Sgt. Brian King and officers Lucretia Douglas, Levi Davis and Ronald Baker also were honored for their 145 years of combined service. The 1st District Police Clergy presented the late state Rep. Robert Donatucci’s family the Eternal Achievement Award while the 1st District Police Advisory Council awarded Joey Vento with the Outstanding Citizenship Award.
The district even surprised Capt. Lou Campione with an award for his leadership.
“I didn’t expect it,” he said after the ceremony. “I didn’t deserve it. It is the men and women of the district doing all of the heavy lifting.”
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel and South Division Inspector Joseph Mooney also attended. SPR
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Mobbing the mob
Irreverent reverend
Bullet to the stomach
SEPTA scuffle
