Family of 8-year-old killed by police in Delaware County introduce new legislation
Under Fanta's Law, police would be required to take firearms training courses four times a year.
SHARON HILL, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The family of an 8-year-old girl who was killed by police in Delaware County introduced new legislation on Monday.
It's aimed at preventing tragedies like the one that claimed the young girl's life nearly three years ago.
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"This legislation would be for us to provide uniformity," said State Senator Anthony Williams. "For us to set a standard and for us to provide training."
Williams and State Representative David Delloso joined forces to sponsor Fanta's Law, which consists of two bills that would create mandatory training for officers across Delaware County.
"My legislation isn't just about spending more time at the range shooting straight. It's about making the best decision in a high-pressure situation," Delloso said.
The law is named after Fanta Bility, who was shot and killed back in 2021.
It happened when three police officers fired shots into a crowd after a football game at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill.
All three officers fired their weapons in response to gunfire they heard in the vicinity that was unrelated to the football game.
Former Sharon Hill police officers Brian Devaney, Sean Dolan, and Devon Smith were charged with 12 criminal counts each of manslaughter and reckless endangerment after the shooting.
The three former officers later pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment back in 2022.
Under Fanta's Law, police would be required to take firearms training courses four times a year.
"This training will make a world of difference," noted Sheila Carter with the NAACP in Delaware County.
Fanta's family and local leaders announced the new legislation at the site where the young girl was fatally shot.
Her family says this announcement marks a big step forward.
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"It was important that we sit down and look at the bigger picture, and today, we did it," said Siddiq Kamara, Fanta's cousin.
The Fraternal Order of Police is on board with the bill, as well as the Borough of Sharon Hill.
"Our municipality has already taken steps to make mandatory additional training, specifically around the use of force," noted Sharon Hill Council President Tanya Allen.
Now, Fanta's family has set their sights on seeing the legislation pass, as it already has bipartisan support.
"I don't want anybody to be in this situation I'm in," said Tenneh Kromah, Fanta's mother.
Kromah hopes her family's loss will inspire the new law.
Lawmakers say police want the additional training, and the next challenge will be to get the funding for it.
