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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
04/24/2024 09:23 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=20175
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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: May 5, 2016 10:54 AM
From: Representative Lynwood W. Savage
To: All House members
Subject: Condolence Resolution: Honoring the Life and Service of Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Willie Williams
 
In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution honoring the life and service of former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Willie Williams, who passed away on April 26, 2016, at the age of 72.

Willie Williams began a life of service in law enforcement in 1964, when he became a Fairmount Park guard. When the park police was merged with the Philadelphia Police Department, Williams rose quickly through the ranks until he was appointed as Philadelphia’s first African American police commissioner in 1988 by then-mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr. Williams served in the role for four years before being selected as commissioner of the Los Angeles Police Department, becoming not only the first African American to serve in that role, but also the first outsider appointed to the top position in 40 years.

Known throughout his career as a dedicated leader, Williams was committed to building relationships between law enforcement and the community. He is credited with opening doors to a career in law enforcement for many others, especially African Americans. Current Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross has said Williams inspired his own journey to become commissioner. Williams was also a national leader in law enforcement, having served as president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and later as security director of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.

Williams is survived by his son, also named Willie Williams, who has continued his father’s legacy of service in law enforcement as a lieutenant in Mayor Jim Kenney’s security detail. Williams is also survived by Evelina, his wife of 49 years, his two other children, Lisa and Eric, as well as a number of other family members and friends.

Please join me in honoring the life and memory of former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Willie Williams and extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.