The Most Ironic Headline Ever

Mayor Street honors officers on "Police Appreciation Day"

Paying tribute to the city's police force and making one of his last public statements, outgoing Mayor John Street today honored local police officers with Police Appreciation Day.

Well, golly gee, Mr. Mayor, we are so honored by your appreciation.

Street said the City Hall ceremony - the first official Police Appreciation Day for the 6,700-member force during the Street administration - was "driven by the fact that in this city, as well as other cities, law enforcement officials are coming under unprecedented attack."

It was the first Police Appreciation Day of his administration? I guess that's better than Street's usual "Fist the Police Day." And right before he becomes a private citizen again. Hmm. No one will see through that, John.

Flanked by city Managing Director Loree Jones, Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson, and Fraternal Order of Police president John McNesby, Street addressed an audience of nearly 100 uniformed officers and 50 city employees, well-wishers and reporters in the Mayor's Reception Room.

So with Johnson, city employees, and reporters, the room was just chock full of cop-hating citizens. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

"We have to make a public statement that, in this city, we appreciate the men and women in blue," said Street, who noted that six police officers were killed since he took office eight years ago, including Office Chuck Cassidy on Oct. 31.

Perhaps is Street made this statement when he first took office, killing cops wouldn't be seen as an acceptable practice, and good friends like Chuck would still be here.

Johnson, who received a standing ovation when introduced, presented awards to various special-unit officers. Johnson has been criticized for creating special units within the department at the expense of putting more officers on the streets.

See, that's just not fair. I mean, why would the PATROL Bureau need officers? What we really need is more officers in the Narcotics Bureau, because the 1,000 or so already there are making such a difference! /Snark.

Johnson is retiring next week after a 40-year career as a Philadelphia police officer. (H/T - The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Thank God! Don't let the door hit you in the ample behind on the way out, Sylvester. I wish Johnson's exit would mean a better work environment for myself and my fellow officers, but since Johnson's replacement seems equally inept, I fear things won't be improving anytime soon.