Spectaguards, Police lauded

Making students feel safe in West Philadelphia is a tough job, but someone has to do it. On Thursday, students gave commendations to Spectaguards and University Police officers for doing just that. For the past three years, the Undergraduate Assembly has been encouraging students to nominate their favorite police officers and Spectaguards in an effort to increase relations within the Penn community. "The UA and the Penn Police Department have had a great working relationship, and this is just a small way we can say thank you for all the things they do to help us," said UA Chairwoman Dana Hork, a College junior. University President Judith Rodin delivered the opening remarks during the awards ceremony at the Penn Police headquarters on Chestnut Street. "It's wonderful when some members of our community choose to honor other members of our community," Rodin said. "I am delighted the students are taking the initiative to do this." Commendations were traded as Police Chief Maureen Rush presented Rodin with a commemorative badge, and former UA Chairman and College senior Michael Bassik with an official Penn Police baseball cap. "Put this cap in the back of your sports car and it will get you out of any future speeding tickets," joked Rush, the interim vice president for public safety. Twenty-two awards were distributed to the members of the Penn safety community -- police officers, detectives, sergeants and Spectaguards. Nominations were provided by students who had a positive experience with safety officials. The awards were given for everything from late night walks from the library to help with stolen credit cards to being a friendly face in the Quadrangle. "I thought he needed to be recognized," UA member and College freshman Kirsten Grubbs said of Spectaguard Jason Nelson. "This man puts up with hundreds of belligerent freshman night after night and can still do it with a smile on his face." Nelson said he was flattered. "I really appreciate it," he said. "They come in at all hours of the night and I try to do my best to make sure they're alright and keep them in line as much as possible." The number of officer nominations has risen steadily over the past three years, and Rush said she is pleased with the program's success. "As I looked down at the officers they had tears in their eyes," she said. "They really appreciate being recognized for doing their job well. To have someone tell you they feel safe, really safe on a campus in West Philadelphia, makes these officers want to continue doing their jobs well."