The communities of Delaware County and their leaders were quick to react to the jury verdict yesterday that found police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on three charges of killing George Floyd, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

 Cheers were heard in the 69^th Street area in Upper Darby after the verdict was read.

Upper Darby Mayor Barbarann Keffer described the verdict as a milestone.

“This is a tremendous relief for many people, but we understand that there is still much work to be done to address the issues of systemic racism and bias that plague our society,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5 of Swarthmore, agreed work must continue, stating “there have been too many deaths at the hands of law enforcement in the year since George Floyd’s murder forced a national reckoning.”

The Executive board of the Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27 said the verdict showed that the criminal justice worked. The board urged for calm.

“Our dedicated police officers in Delaware County serve with respect and deserve to go home safe tonight,” the statement read.

Media criminal defense attorney Enrique Latoison said the case was monumental “because a lot of police officers came out and testified against Chauvin,” opening the door for other officers to come forward without fear.

Read more at the Daily Times for more local reaction the verdict.