Bustleton has a surprise
for 7th district officer

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

The Greater Bustleton Civic League surprised 7th Police District community relations officer Rich Simon with a plaque at its May 21 meeting to honor him for his hard work on the community’s behalf.
Simon, who has been the district’s CRO for five years, said he had no idea that he’d be recognized at the meeting. A 14-year veteran of the force, Simon has been at the 7th district since 1999.
"He has been the greatest community relations officer that I’ve ever worked with," said GBCL president Bernice Hill.
In addition to his daily duties, Simon attends the civic group’s monthly meetings and takes complaints back to the district.
"I usually handle it, direct it (where it needs to go) or advise the captain," he said. "It’s a great group."
According to Hill, sometimes folks get Simon in the corner and send him back to the district with three pages of complaints.
"He has been outstanding to us and so accommodating," Hill said.
In other business, Hill wants to get petitions together to name some part of Burholme Park in honor of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, who was slain last month while apprehending robbery suspects. Liczbinski was a Burholme resident.
• The 7th Police District Advisory Council will hold its annual community day on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Maternity BVM’s Parish Hall, 9220 Old Bustleton Ave.
• Capt. Joseph Zaffino will hold his next town hall meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at Federation Housing, 10102 Jamison Ave.
• Next month’s GBCL meeting will be the group’s annual ice cream social. ••
The Greater Bustleton Civic League’s next meeting will be on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the American Heritage Federal Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. For more information, visit www.gbcleague.com
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com