About Our Community Service Representative (CSR) Program

The Center City District's CSRs are a welcoming presence in downtown Philadelphia. They patrol Center City on foot seven days a week, wearing distinctive teal uniforms and equipped with two-way radios, first-aid gear, maps and more. They interact with the public to provide information or directions and are equally prepared to administer first aid, request police services or provide outreach to unsheltered individuals.

Meet CSR Ray Nardi

What is your favorite thing about working at CCD? 
My favorite thing about working at CCD is helping people. When I wear my uniform, I can do what I love most—assist others. In uniform, people recognize that I'm here to help, and they don't have to worry about any hidden agendas on my part. Plus, I get paid for it! 

What is your fondest memory from work? 
One of my fondest memories from work is when I helped a gentleman who spoke broken English and was stranded in Philadelphia. I assisted him in getting an Uber ride and locating his driver when they arrived. This moment stands out to me because the man was feeling very stressed before I approached him, and he expressed immense relief after I helped. I don't want to get too sentimental, but in this job, you truly have the opportunity to make someone's day a little bit better. 

If you were planning a day out in Center City, what would be on the agenda? 
I am a museum enthusiast and prefer simple meals. Typically, I might grab a turkey hoagie from one of the local diners or sandwich shops and then head to the Franklin Institute. 

Have you had any celebrity sightings? 
Mayor Parker waved to me and said hello a few weeks ago! 

What is the most commonly asked question that you get? 
“Are you the parking authority?” is probably my most asked question. After that, I have a reputation for getting asked very “out of the box” questions! 

What is something interesting about you outside of your CCD work that you would like to share about yourself?  
I named my dog after the lab assistant in “Young Frankenstein,” and was once almost mistaken for a bank robber after I got a haircut.  

In 2008 or 2009, while I was working in Northern Liberties, I took the Market-Frankford subway line daily. I had just gotten a short haircut that weekend. During that time, there was a bank robber in Northeast Philly who wrote his demand notes on the backs of his pay stubs. The police had a clear picture of him—which looked exactly like me! I found this out while reading the Daily News on the train, and I felt paranoid since I was sitting across from someone reading the same paper.  

Later, when I got off at City Hall Station to meet my mom, a police officer called me over and asked for my ID. I anticipated his question and jokingly admitted I looked like the suspect. He goes, “You’re a dead ringer for this guy, I hate to tell you that.” And so, the joke is of all the people for me to get mistaken for, it would be an idiot bank robber. 

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