Police Athletic League honors Penn's Public Safety VP

The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia — an organization with the stated mission of “Cops Helping Kids,” which operates 27 centers across Philadelphia — honored Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush at its annual award dinner Tuesday night for her contributions to the organization.

Rush, who has been on the PAL board of directors since 2002 and serves as its secretary, was awarded the honor for her years of dedicated service. PECO Chief Executive Officer Denis O’Brien and former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter were also acknowledged at the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel and included a silent auction.

A PAL press release cited Rush’s efforts to help the Tucker PAL Center — a center supported by Penn — gain funding for a new van, raise thousands of dollars in donations and orchestrate an ice skating field trip for PAL children every winter as examples of her dedication.

Rush said, however, that her most “memorable milestone” is “building the relationship Penn has with PAL.” Division of Public Safety spokeswoman Stef Cella explained that many University departments have supported PAL activities, including the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Business Services and the Athletics Department.

“The award is not just an honor for me but for Penn, because I am acting on Penn’s mission to integrate the local community as part of our Penn Compact,” Rush added, referring to Penn President Amy Gutmann’s goal of engaging communities both locally and globally.

“Maureen truly understands the positive impact that PAL has on the children who come to our centers — and because of that, she is relentless in her giving,” President of NBC10 and PAL Chairman Dennis Bianchi said. “I can’t think of anyone who is more willing to stand up and make things happen for PAL.”

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