Renaming the 4700 block of Rising Sun Avenue between Wyoming and Mascher Streets to "Officer Lauretha A. Vaird Way" in honor of her bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to public service.

Renaming the 4700 block of Rising Sun Avenue between Wyoming and Mascher Streets to "Officer Lauretha A. Vaird Way" in honor of her bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to public service. WHEREAS, Officer Lauretha A. Vaird served with the Philadelphia Police Department for nine years, assigned to the 25th District, where she was a dedicated and courageous member of the force, risking her life daily to protect the citizens of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, On January 2, 1996, Officer Vaird responded to a bank robbery in progress at a PNC Bank located in the 4700 block of Rising Sun Avenue, where she was the first officer to arrive at the scene; and WHEREAS, Officer Vaird’s courageous response to the scene was met with violence, resulting in her being shot on duty; and WHEREAS, Officer Vaird, a 43-year-old single mother of two boys, died from her gunshot wounds, making her the first female Philadelphia Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty; and WHEREAS, Officer Vaird was described by those who knew her as a warm and caring individual, always willing to help others, and she was remembered fondly for her kindness, dedication, and exemplary service both as a police officer and as a mother; and WHEREAS, Many of Officer Vaird’s colleagues, including those who worked alongside her in the 25th District, expressed their admiration for her as a role model, noting her exceptional work ethic, her ability to connect with others, and the positive impact she had on those around her. Poli…