Fulfilled Twilight Wishes

Al Vasso, a resident of Luther Woods in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, had his wish to visit the Roundhouse one more time granted on May 17, 2019.  Al, 82, worked as both a policeman and as a plain clothes detective for the Philadelphia Police Department for many years, working in the District Attorney’s office for some time. While serving an arrest warrant in a taproom, he walked into an armed robbery in progress and was shot twice. Al has received many commendations throughout his career and had the opportunity to work alongside Arlen Specter and Frank Rizzo.  To make his day even more special, Al and his family were driven in a Philadelphia police vehicle from his nursing home to the Roundhouse with a police escort.  He was welcomed with an honor guard and the Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes & Drum. The Police Department pulled his old badge number and presented him with a hat with his badge number.  Al and his family were given a tour of the building ending with a press conference where he met Commissioner Richard Ross, Jr. and spoke with the media.  He was also given photos and mementos of his long career in the police department.  Al was then given a tour of both the SWAT and K9 headquarters before enjoying a special lunch at the FOP and a visit to the Police Museum that is housed in the old police academy that he attended. A huge thank you to the Philadelphia Police Department for literally rolling out the “blue carpet” and giving Al a day he will never forget!