Gratitude, Honor, and Purpose | | |
Dear Philadelphia Police Foundation Friends,
We are filled with immense gratitude following our 10th Annual Night for Blue at The Union League of Philadelphia. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over $930,000 to fund life-saving equipment, advanced training, wellness programs, and innovative technology for the Philadelphia Police Department.
It was an unforgettable evening as we honored Wawa and its CEO, Chris Gheysens, with the 2026 Founders Award for their steadfast commitment to PPF and law enforcement. We were also deeply moved to posthumously present the 2026 Extraordinary Act of Courage Award to Sgt. James O’Connor, recognizing his ultimate sacrifice alongside his family, who beautifully carry on his legacy of service.
While we celebrate the success of the Night for Blue, the recent shooting of three Philadelphia police officers in the line of duty serves as a sobering reminder of why our mission is so critical. The dangers our officers face every day are real and constant. These events underscore the absolute necessity of our work—the PPD stands on the front lines for us, and your support ensures they never stand alone.
Thank you for your unwavering partnership and commitment to keeping Philadelphia safe.
With gratitude,
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Maureen Rush
Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP
President
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Erin McKenna Zimmerman
Erin McKenna Zimmerman
Executive Director
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Get Ready To Conquer Market Street!
Annual Market Street Run for Blue
October 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Starting Line: Front & Dock Streets
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- 5-Mile Run and 3 Mile Walk
- Post-Race Award Ceremony
- Dri-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt and Finisher Medal to All Participants (while supplies last)
- Wawa Refreshments
- Monetary Prizes to Top 3 Male and Female
Overall Finishers
Don't Miss Out, Sign Up Today!
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| Welcome New PPF Board Members! | | With support from PPF donors, the Foundation continues to fund critical technology, equipment, and programs for the PPD. | | Directing the Future: PPD’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan | | |
The Philadelphia Police Foundation is one of the key funders of the Philadelphia Police Department’s multi-year Strategic Plan.
In April, PPF supported the official kickoff event and joined Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel and Executive Director of Strategic Planning David Zega, for the unveiling of the Strategic Plan. We teamed up with the Philadelphia Foundation and Civic Coalition to Save Lives to fund this important effort. The plan is rooted in community collaboration, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to every community member, PPD Officer, and stakeholder who shared their voice to help shape this forward-looking vision.
By investing in strategic planning, leadership, and systemic excellence, we are ensuring the PPD has a clear, actionable path forward to protect and serve. Together, we are making Philadelphia safer!
| | PPD Recruits: Training & Professional Development | | |
At the Philadelphia Police Foundation, we know that true public safety requires a foundation of unwavering trust, deep understanding, and continuous education. That is why we proudly provide annual funding for all PPD recruits to participate in tours and special programs at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Through these immersive experiences, recruits build essential skills in cultural competency and fair and impartial policing by exploring history's lessons and their modern-day application to public safety. This vital initiative has received significant funding from The Neubauer Foundation.
By grounding our newest officers in historical context and proven bias-reduction strategies, we are investing in a future of professional and respectful policing for all Philadelphia residents and visitors.
| | Do you want to help PPF continue these valuable initiatives? | | |
Johnson Controls 2026 Security Technology Expo
The Philadelphia Police Foundation extends a huge thank you to Board member, Shane Meenan, and Johnson Controls for inviting us to participate in their 28th Annual Security Technology Expo!
Our President, Maureen Rush, was honored to serve as a featured presenter, sharing the Foundation's mission and highlighting the cutting-edge strategies driving public safety in our city today. We are incredibly grateful for Johnson Controls' continued support and partnership in helping us fulfill our mission. Thank you for standing with the Foundation and the PPD as we work together to build a safer Philadelphia.
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PPD Monthly Lunch and Learns
PPF sponsors the PPD's monthly Lunch & Learn Series—informal educational sessions designed to highlight different communities, experiences, and strategies that help PPD officers and staff better understand and serve all Philadelphians.
In celebration of Women's History Month, a recent session featured an inspiring all-female panel of trailblazing PPD leaders:
Krista Dahl-Campbell, Deputy Commissioner
Deborah Francis, Chief Inspector
Kelly Robbins, Captain
These leaders shared their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs that shaped their careers. By offering a space for these important conversations, the Lunch & Learn Series continues to foster a more connected, informed, and inspired department.
| | Conversations with the Commissioner | | |
Through our Conversations with the Commissioner series, the Foundation fosters meaningful connections between the Philadelphia business and civic community and PPD leadership. These collaborative sessions provide a valuable platform for dialogue regarding the city’s latest safety initiatives and strategic goals. Most importantly, they offer a space to discuss how Philadelphia's business community can actively support and partner with the department to build a safer, stronger city for everyone.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact Erin Vizza at devel@phillypolicefoundation.org.
| | Donor Spotlight: Jefferson Health | | |
When it comes to unwavering commitment to public safety, Jefferson Health sets the gold standard. Driven by the leadership of Philadelphia Police Foundation Board member Keith Prewitt, Jefferson's impact is felt across our two signature events through active participation and financial support. This is personal for Mr. Prewitt, who currently serves as Jefferson's Vice President of Enterprise Public Safety and Security, having dedicated over 40 years of his professional career to public safety, including 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Secret Service before retiring as Deputy Director in 2012.
As true community leaders, Jefferson’s partnership with the Foundation provides critical support for the Philadelphia Police Department. From the Nursing Department to the Public Safety team, Jefferson employees are actively engaged in making our communities safer. They continue to show up in full force, both by showing their support at our Night for Blue and by expanding the presence of the vibrant Jefferson Team at our Run for Blue. This incredible grassroots participation reflects a shared belief that a safer city creates a healthier city for everyone.
This deep community commitment is also reflected in Jefferson's latest innovative partnership with our city. Jefferson's newly opened Joint Public Safety Hub at 11th and Market Streets brings together the Thomas Jefferson University Police, the Philadelphia Police Department, and SEPTA Transit Police. This unified facility streamlines real-time information sharing and enhances coordination, ensuring a safer Center City for residents, officers, and visitors alike.
We extend our gratitude to CEO Dr. Joseph Cacchione, Keith Prewitt, and the entire team at Jefferson Health. Thank you for your camaraderie, generosity, and shared passion for protecting our city!
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