Nearly 50 University police officers and several other public safety officials received awards Wednesday night for their service to the Penn community this year.
Among the officers honored for their work last night was Jimmy Morrison, a Penn Police officer who died in a motorcycle accident in August.
University Chaplain Chaz Howard was the first speaker of the night, praising Penn Police officers “for their unwavering love for Penn.”
Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli congratulated the Division of Public Safety on being ranked first by Security Magazine’s “Security 500” list in safety and security for higher education institutions for the seventh year in a row.
His speech was followed by a special presentation honoring Morrison’s memory, at which point Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush presented a plaque with his badge to his family.
“He loved his work and he worked hard to protect the men and women” on Penn’s campus, Rush said. “He touched hearts.”
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After the special ceremony for Morrison, Rush swore two new officers into the Penn Police “family.”
Later, in an award ceremony, the actions of individual officers, AlliedBarton guards and other members of the community were recognized.
Officers from Penn and Drexel University were praised for their work in arresting a man for 14 counts of burglary after someone reported the theft of their laptop in Hill Pavilion. In another instance, two Penn Police officers were congratulated for saving the life of a woman who was about to jump off of the Chestnut Street bridge.
The Quality of Life Unit, of which Morrison was a member, was also honored by Rush for its “outstanding teamwork,” which resulted in 21 arrests over a 60 day period.
Also receiving recognition were members of the Fire and Emergency Services department, which Rush called the “unsung heroes” of Penn.
“You don’t hear a lot about what they’re doing and the reason you don’t is because they’re doing such a great job,” she said.
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The ceremony concluded with AlliedBarton patrol officer Charles Druck, a friend of Morrison’s, presenting a picture in Morrison’s memory to the Division of Public Safety.
“At the beginning of the night, I said one thing — this is a family,” Rush said. “That was an amazing tribute that will not be forgotten.”
The next award ceremony will take place in the spring.
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