Title
Recognizing the Safe Summer Nights program.
Body
WHEREAS, in the spring of 2014, Tom Campion proposed an idea for community outreach to then Assistant Chief Todd Axtell, consisting of a simple community cookout, which has evolved into an annual 13-week program called Safe Summer Nights; and
WHEREAS, over 10,000 meals were served at 10 recreation centers and parks during the summer of 2014 which enabled police and residents to get to know each other and encouraged the building of trust between the community and officers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Campion donated and prepared the meals and also recruited support from other restaurants, businesses and volunteers; and
WHEREAS, from 2014 through 2016, over 40 events have taken place and over 50,000 meals have been served, including the last event of 2016, a fall celebration on October 29; and
WHEREAS, Safe Summer Nights has supported the Saint Paul Police Department’s (SPPD) ongoing community outreach efforts and youth engagement for the purpose of building community relationships in a positive environment and ultimately to ensure public safety; and
WHEREAS, Safe Summer Nights became a wonderful event for SPPD and the citizens of Saint Paul, and without the selflessness of donating many, many hours of personal time and resources, this event would not have been such a success; and
WHEREAS, in thanks for the exemplary performance, dedication and commitment to the SPPD and the citizens of Saint Paul, Tom Campion was a recipient of a Chief’s Award; and therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul recognizes that Tom Campion, from Superb Foods, has been a great partner to the St. Paul Police Department and continues to support the work of Safe Summer Nights and; be it further
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul commends additional members of the board of directors of Safe Summer Nights including Michael Campion, from the Archdioceses of Saint Paul and Minneapolis; Bob Stupka, CEO of Davanni’s; Jim Miley, owner of Symphony Senior Home Care; Pete Orput, Washington County Attorney; Kevin Moore, retired from Saint Paul Police Department ; and current Chief Todd Axtell as well as the numerous other volunteers that have supported this valuable effort.