Charles H. Ramsey, Commissioner of Police for the City of Philadelphia, has been selected to receive the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Keys & Sword Award in recognition of extraordinary commitment and selfless dedication to serving others as well as the community in general. This award acknowledges one whose actions reflect the Gospel values of faith, selfless service, personal sacrifice, respect and valor. Commissioner Ramsey will receive the award at a luncheon on June 28, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel. Proceeds from the event will be placed in the "Keys & Sword Fund" which was established in 2008 to foster the Sacred Music Program, Visitors Programs and to strengthen understanding of the artistic and historical significance of the Cathedral to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia.

Sunday, June 28, 2009
11 a.m. Mass, Luncheon to follow
The Sheraton Hotel
17th & Race Streets
Philadelphia, PA

The Keys & Sword Award of the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul is taken from the symbols of the patron saints of the Cathedral. The award, bestowed by the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was established in 2008. Monsignor James Howard, the longest serving (27 years) rector of the Cathedral Basilica, was the inaugural honoree.

Biographical information: Charles H. Ramsey was appointed Police Commissioner of Philadelphia on January 7, 2008 by Mayor Michael Nutter. Commissioner Ramsey leads the fourth largest police department in the country with 6, 700 sworn members and
830 civilian members. He brings the knowledge and experience of nearly forty years in the law enforcement profession. A nationally recognized innovator, educator and practitioner of community policing, Commissioner Ramsey is known to refocus police departments on crime fighting and crime prevention through a more accountable organizational structure, new equipment and technology, an enhanced strategy of community policing and, since September 11, 2001, new approaches to homeland security and counter-terrorism. Commissioner Ramsey holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the National Executive Institute. He completed the Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security in February 2008. He is regarded as an expert in the area of policing and homeland security. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Executive Board of the Major Cities Chiefs and the Police Executive Research Forum. He also served as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee for both the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Major Cities Chiefs.

To become a sponsor or reserve tickets ($75) online go to www.sspeterpaulcathedral.catholicweb.com.

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Contact
Kevin Mulligan
Associate Director
215-587-3747