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Congratulations to Captain Myesha S. Massey for her promotion to Deputy Commissioner, as the first Deputy Commissioner for Community Partnerships and on her successful command as the first female Commander of the 35th Police District.
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WHEREAS, Captain Massey is an inspiration and a proud Philadelphian. She was born in the Northwest and raised in the North Philadelphia section of the City, and she graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1996; and
WHEREAS, She answered the call of duty and graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy in 1998. Her devotion to serving her city continued as she embarked on her tour in the 26th Police District as a patrol officer; and
WHEREAS, Captain Massey draws inspiration from her family. She proudly shares her call to public service with her husband, Dave Massey, and is a mother to two children, Davier and Dayani; and
WHEREAS, Her service to others is a shining example of the impact that one person can have on the lives of many. Captain Massey's work with organizations such as the Women’s Law Project, WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, and Philadelphia Children's Alliance Group during her time at the Special Victims Unit was truly inspirational; and
WHEREAS, Captain Massey made history as the Commanding Officer of the 35th Police District, marking a significant milestone as the first female Captain to hold this position. Throughout her service, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to ensuring the safety of the community, becoming a trailblazer in community policing; and
WHEREAS, Captain Massey has been a forward-thinking leader in community policing, bringing significant positive changes to the 35th Police District. Her initiatives include creating safe enrichment opportunities for our young people by adopting Belfield, Sturgis, and Stenton Recreation Centers. In addition, she has partnered with the Philadelphia chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on gun buyback programs. These initiatives have made the district a safer and more inclusive place for everyone; and
WHEREAS, Through her innovative leadership, she has gone above and beyond policing to uplift the economy and quality of life in the 35th Police District. She spearheaded an initiative to strengthen the process to remove public nuisances that negatively impact our community. By ensuring that our corridors and neighborhoods are safe to live, work, and enjoy, she has helped create a thriving community. Her use of bike patrols as well as footbeats on N 5th Street and 101 Olney, along with officers having City-issued cell phones to connect with the community, has enabled her to build strong relationships with the people she serves. Every business throughout the 35th Police District has store logs, and the annual 35th District Unity Day celebrates black and brown-owned businesses in a dedicated small business section. Her dedication and commitment to the community serve as an inspiration to all; and
WHEREAS, One of her most cherished achievements in the 35th District was establishing a mentoring group for young women at Philadelphia High School for Girls. Captain Massey is a diligent public servant who has devoted her life to serving others. She led the way for future generations of servant leaders and given her all in the name of service; and
WHEREAS, Captain Massey was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner on March 18, 2024, by Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. This promotion was for the newly created Office of Community Partnerships, where Deputy Commissioner Massey will help in setting a course for Philadelphia to become the safest, cleanest, and greenest big City in the nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Congratulates Deputy Commissioner Myesha S. Massey, and looks forward to the exceptional talent she will bring to the role, in her continued honorable service to the people of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Commissioner Myesha S. Massey to congratulate her on her appointment.
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