Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Community Leaders Collaborative and the Philadelphia  Community Outreach Corporation are hosting the Community Safety Providers Awards for  exemplary support in the community’s efforts of disbanding drug corners and ending gun  violence on Saturday, March 11th 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm. A photo shoot will be held  between 10:45 am and 11:30 am on 41st & Lancaster Avenue celebrating the installation of  cameras on the Avenue. The luncheon will be held at Calvary St. Augustine Episcopal  Church, located on the corner of 41st & Parrish Streets from 12 noon to 2 pm. 

Former Captains and officers of the 16th Police District are being honored for their  commitment to the safety of the Belmont Community. Senator Vincent Hughes and former  Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell are also being honored for the commitment, support and  participation in the Belmont Safety Model. WURD radio station will do a remote broadcast  at Calvary St. Augustine. 

Some of the invitees include Congressman Dwight Evans, State Representative Amen Brown,  Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, Managing Director, Estelle Richman, organizational leaders  in the community and a host of other community members. We expect one hundred people  in attendance. 

The Belmont Safety Model, under the Philadelphia Community Outreach Corporation, is an  initiative to deter gun violence, crime and open air drug sales in the Belmont community.  Founded by Ishaq Samai, Pete Wilson, Democratic 6th Ward Leader, Ibrahim Abdul Malik,  Islam Sharief (deceased) and Khabir Rashid (deceased), they sought to rid the community of  forty years of drug sales on 43rd and Pennsgrove Street. Over a period of 18 months, the efforts  paid off, and the corner was disbanded and the community is thriving with renovated housing,  children are able to play outside again, and the blight is gone. Other drug corners that were  disbanded include 41st & Parrish, Holly and Reno Streets. Sixteen state of the art cameras  were installed which has decreased the crime significantly in the area. The 4000 block of  Lancaster Avenue was a three-year project, amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. Just recently 

Page 2: Press Release – Belmont Community Safety Day Awards Luncheon 

state of the art cameras were installed. The Belmont Safety Model has reduced gun violence,  deterred crime, saved the City of Philadelphia Police Department millions of dollars and is  bringing about a safe community environment. 

Community Safety Providers Award Honorees are: 

  • Senator Vincent Hughes
  • Chief Inspector Altovise Love-Craighead 
  • Former Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell
  • Inspector Jarreau Thomas
  • Inspector Dave Merrick
  • Captain Pasquale Agozzino #118 I.A.D.
  • Lt Dennis Johnson Officer Jesse Woodhouse