Gov. Josh Shapiro honored an Upper Darby police officer Monday during the first event in the refurbished Governors Mansion following the arson attack in April.
Lt. Lania Stevens was one of eight individuals and two groups who received the Governor’s Keystone Award, which recognizes everyday Pennsylvanians for the significant contributions they’ve made to their communities, donating their time, knowledge andtalents to help improve the lives of others.
Shapiro said the honorees are making real impactful contributions in the commonwealth.
Gov. Josh Shapiro presents Upper Darby Police Lt. Lania Stevens with the Governor’s Keystone Award on Monday during ceremonies at the Governors Mansion. (COURTESY GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)
“You’re the people who caught our eye along the way … and are making a real difference,” Shapiro said. “You are the people inspiring fellow Pennsylvanians.”
Former Philadelphia 76ers television broadcaster Marc Zumoff served as the emcee for the evening.
“It is tough work building bridges between a community and its police force, but this woman does that, while at the same time making history,” Zumoff said in introducing Stevens. “Community engagement is at the heart of her work.”
Stevens is the vice president of the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County and the first Black female lieutenant in the Upper Darby Police Department’s history. She previously made history as the department’s first Black female sergeant and its first African American woman officer.
Stevens also mentors local fifth graders through the department’s youth program, inspiring the next generation of public servants.
Shapiro said it was special to hold the event at the Governors Mansion, which he called “the peoples house” and the physical embodiment of William Penn’s dream when in 1682 he first arrived in Chester on a ship named Welcome.
“He dreamed of this place as being a place that would be open for free expression, free elections and a place you could practice your religion freely. Penn understood the power of people to build a more tolerant and more just community,” Shapiro said. “You are the builders who do this every day.”
Stevens was joined at the event by Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown, township Chief Administrative Officer Crandall Jones and Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt.
Brown said it was an honor to be on hand for the award and he was beyond thrilled to see Stevens receive an accolade that is only given to 17 recipients statewide.
“It recognizes individuals who make a significant difference in their communities. Lt. Stevens runs our Teens and Police Service (TAPS Program) Academy, which is a partnership between the Upper Darby police and high school students aimed at reducing social distance and improving relations between law enforcement and youth,” Brown said. “She is also the vice president of the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. Lt. Stevens is also a pioneer as she was the first Black female sergeant in the Upper Darby Police Department and the first African American woman promoted to lieutenant. We are proud to have her represent Upper Darby Township,” Brown added.
Bernhardt seconded that.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women who serve this community every day. Our officers are the best in law enforcement,” Bernhardt said. “Lt. Stevens’ recognition by Gov. Shapiro is a tremendous honor and a reflection of her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the people and community of Upper Darby.”
Bernhardt said the award also speaks to the hard work of the entire department.
“Our command staff strives to train and prepare our officers to the highest standard, and moments like this show that dedication pays off. I couldn’t be prouder of Lt. Stevens and our entire team,” he said.