PRESS RELEASE

The City of Pelham’s  Mayor Don Murphy announced plans to raise $200,000 in 20 days to retire the mortgage debt for the family of slain Police Officer Philip Davis. 

Officer Davis was shot in Pelham while issuing a speeding violation and died December 4, 2009.  He is survived by his wife, Paula, and two small children.

“Everyone has asked me what they can do to help,” explained Mayor Murphy to a crowded room of local, county and state elected officials, area church pastors, business leaders in retail, restaurant and entertainment fields, law enforcement officials, educators, developers and realtors, utility managers, media representatives and several city employees.  “Well, this is what we can do – we can help this family by raising enough money to pay off the home mortgage.  We don’t want Mrs. Davis to have to worry about keeping a roof over the babies’ heads.”

As part of the fund raising campaign, Oak Mountain Lanes located in Pelham will host a bowling event January 25, 2010 from 3:00  to 9:00 p.m. with 100% of the proceeds going to the Davis mortgage retirement fund.  Other businesses have also committed to participate in this event.

An account has been set up at M & F Bank for the Davis Mortgage Retirement Fund, and anyone wishing to make a donation may do so at any M & F branch location, at the Pelham Police Department or Pelham City Hall.

Pelham City Council member Steve Powell commented, “This has been a tragic situation, but this gives us as a community an opportunity to bring something positive out of it for the Davis family.”

For additional information contact Paula Sutton at 205-620-6403