John Stanford: Latest News

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - North Philadelphia glowing bright Wednesday night, with the lights of police cars lining the street outside Shriners Hospital for Children, just to put a smile on the young patients’ faces. The Wednesday evening event also holds special meaning for both the children and officers.Philadelphia police from every district rushed to North Philly, while Broad Street completely shut down. A tactical helicopter flew overhead.But, the police presence had nothing to do with crime.Scores of Philly cops of all ranks stopped by to say good night and give a friendly wave to the patients recovering inside the hospital."Giving them a glimmer of hope, if you will and an opportunity to see that people care for them and care about them," Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner John Stanford said.From the street the smiles, waves and blinking smartphone lights coming right back from patients and staff inside were plainly visible."Just to brighten one day, out of everything these children go through," Philadelphia Police Sgt.

PHILADELPHIA - Temple University and Philadelphia police are set to graduate new police officers as the city continues to deal with violent crime. The officers will graduate on Friday morning at McGonigle Hall. The addition of eight new officers brings the Temple Police force to more than 100, with the addition of 35 security officers in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department. This comes just one month after Temple University Police Sgt. Chris Fitzgerald was fatally shot in the line of duty while chasing suspects.  Related Sgt.

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia community gathered Tuesday to discuss ways to address increased gun violence nearly two weeks after a young girl was struck by stay gunfire.8-year-old Skyla was grazed in the head by a bullet when police say an ambush shooting erupted on the 1500 block of North 13th Street. Deputy Commissioner John Stanford told reporters that a vehicle with multiple shooters inside ambushed another car that was driving by, unleashing nearly 50 shots. Skyla was near the front door of a home when she was grazed in the head by stray gunfire, according to police. In doorbell footage provided by a neighbor, a police officer is seen running out of the home with the injured girl and immediately takes her to the hospital.MORE LOCAL HEADLINESTemple alerted its campus on Twitter about the shooting investigation and urged people to avoid the area.