We would like to congratulate Officer Joseph Walker, our 2022 Police Officer of the Year. Also nominated for this prestigious award were the following officers:
P/O William Hoppe
P/O Robert Binns
P/O George Marko
The above group of officers represent only a few of more than a hundred dedicated officers serving the citizens of the 7th Police District.
BELOW IS THE LETTER OF NOMINATION SUBMITTED BY OFFICER WALKER'S LIEUTENANT, DAVID MARNIEN:
Officer Walker was appointed to the Police Department in April 17, 2000 and was assigned to the 19th District. He was subsequently transferred to the 7th District in February 27, 2004.
On 12-18-22 at approximately 11:59 PM Officer Walker # 2416 observed a male running west bound across from 9925 Bustleton Avenue. This is the location of the United States Post Office – ZIP Code 19115. The Officer observed that the male was carrying a black bag. Continuing to observe the male, he was observed getting into a waiting black BMW 5-Series with a New Jersey temp tag. As the officer continued to follow the movements of the vehicle, he noted that the car reversed and then drove into the “Doral” Condominiums. The officer was aware that the Post Office has had a number of thefts of mail from the outside mailboxes and the Officer entered the parking lot. Once in the parking lot, he encountered the male who approached the officer asking if the Officer knew where he could get a cell phone. The officer evaluated the actions of the male as an attempt to direct the officer’s attention away from his actions. After the male re-entered the vehicle, the car drove out of the parking lot heading northbound on Bustleton. In the 10000 block of Bustleton Officer Walker initiated a vehicle stop on the BMW. During the stop, the Officer observed a box inside the car that contained bags similar to the bag that the male had when he crossed Bustleton Avenue. While a backup officer held the driver and vehicle, Officer Walker went back to the location where the male had previously had contact with him. At that location, Officer located a bag filled with mail to be processed for delivery. As a result of additional investigation, 38 pieces of mail were recovered along with other items involved in the theft of US mail. The actions of Officer Walker in the arrest of [redacted], black male, address [reda cted] for theft will provide the US Postal Inspectors with valuable information and evidence that will help in the prosecution of this defendant.
During the past year, P/O Walker has joined in the search for multiple offenders. One example would be the arrest the officer made on 9-12-22 at about 11:10 PM when the 7 District unit “7T8” encountered a newly stolen vehicle in the area of Borbeck and Roosevelt Blvd. When the occupants fled the vehicle. Officer Walker, using excellent police intuitiveness, was able to locate the male that 7T8 had seen fleeing the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, the Officer was able to stop the suspect and took him in to custody.
It is often difficult in police work to save a life. Officer Walker was faced with the ultimate need for cool headedness and quick action when on 2-20-22 at about 4:05 AM the officer responded to a radio call of an infant choking at 18XX Kendrick street. On his arrival the mother of the child, [redacted], handed the infant to the officer. Officer Walker make a quick assessment of the infant and determined that the child had an obstructive air way and immediately began the First Aid procedures for clearing an obstructive airway in an infant consisting of back blows and chest compressions. When hearing the child beginning to cry he was able to turn the infant over to Medic 38 who had just arrived at the scene. Mother and child where happily transported to Saint Christopher Hospital.
Officer Walker has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a professional officer with exceptional abilities. The officer distinguishes himself in his versatility and resourcefulness in accomplishing the police mission he is tasked with. These skills are evident in the manner in which he approaches his duties and in the manner in which he conducts himself. Ensuring that he, in some small way, presents a respectful image of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Lastly, the most significant issue in my evaluation of the officer is that I would trust Police Officer Walker, without pause, with any issue or in any situation which would require a competent, resourceful Officer who has the ability for quick thinking and the application of sound decision. As such, I proudly nominate him for this award.
Officer Walker is a devoted husband to Kathy his bride of 20 plus years. The Officer has two children and coaches his son, Joey in track.
