NBA Hall of Famer Praises Mayor Emanuel, Superintendent McCarthy and Father Pfleger for Commitment to Safer Communities
NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas on Monday praised Chicago’s historic crime reduction in 2013, including the fewest murders recorded in the city in 48 years.
“All of Chicago benefits from a reduction of crime and violence in its neighborhoods, and I applaud Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Superintendent McCarthy for their leadership and for the smart, collaborative approach being used to make Chicago safer,” Thomas said. “I also recognize the important work of Father Michael Pfleger and that of many other Chicago leaders who are working tirelessly to protect our communities, our children and our families. And while these historic gains are welcome, I look forward to working with these leaders in the future to make our city even safer.”
According to the Chicago Police Department, in 2013 the city had its lowest murder rate since 1966 and its lowest overall rate of crime since 1972.
A Chicago native, Thomas has worked closely with Mayor Emanuel on Chicago’s Peace Basketball Tournament and with Father Pfleger on the Windy City Hoops program. Both programs are designed to foster safer communities throughout the city.