Daily News honors Fencl Award winners

While the Daily News has had to cover plenty of stories about problems in the Philadelphia Police Department, the annual George Fencl Award is a time to honor outstanding cops for their service and dedication to the communities they serve.

"We can't lose sight of the fact that ninety-nine point nine percent of the police officers in our midst are heroes," Daily News Editor Larry Platt said Tuesday night at a reception for award recipients.

Winners of the 26th Daily News George Fencl award were honored at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News Building by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Mayor Nutter, Greg Osberg, chief executive of the Philadelphia Media Network, and others.

Officer Joseph Young, 59, who works in community relations for the 12th District in Southwest Philadelphia, was presented with a trophy, a citation from state Rep. Ronald Waters, and a check for $1,000.

SWAT team Sgt. Christopher Binns, 51, and emergency communications supervisor Gregory Masi, 55, were both finalists for the prize and were awarded with plaques and $250 checks.

Ramsey, who is part of the Fencl Award selection committee, said reading stacks of Fencl Award nomination letters over the past four years has shown him the depth of appreciation neighbors have for good police officers and the work they do.

Among police personnel and city officials, neighbors from the 12th District were also in the audience Tuesday to support Young.

"You can't put a value on what these guys do," said Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel, who won the award in 2008 when he was a commanding officer in the 17th District. "It's great to come back and see the guys who are deserving of the award."