WEST CHESTER — During a solemn ceremony, 10 Chester County police officers who died while on duty were honored at the Chester County Law Enforcement Memorial Service at the F.O.P. Lodge #11 Headquarters on North Church Street.
More than 100 police officers, first responders, dignitaries, family members and mourners attended the May 9 ceremony marking Law Enforcement Week (May 12-18). The contributions and the ultimate sacrifices made by 10 Chester County law enforcement officers were recognized.
State F.O.P. President Joseph Regan asked that we always remember that police officers are not just public servants.
“They are heroes who answer the call to serve and know the risks,” he said. “We are reminded of the evil and the sadly taken lives of our sisters and brothers.
“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.”
Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe talked about officers who confront true evil.
“To be a police officer it requires valor,” he said.
The DA spoke about those who chose to run toward danger when the rest of us ran away. He said that valor is a quality revealing that something is more important than one’s own life.
“All of the chaos in this profession is simply accepted as normal,” he said. “The best thing we can do is remember the valor of our law enforcement officers.”
Pastor of New Life in Christ Fellowship, and State Rep. Dan Williams said thank you and discussed courage and sacrifice.
Robert McCarron is president of F.O.P. Lodge #11.
“Enough is enough,” he said when calling for making these “vile attacks” a federal crime.
State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten said that supporting law enforcement officers means mourning them.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line because they want to help others,” she said.
The state rep noted that officers face 178 critical incidents in a career, while the average person faces two or three.
“They face extremely stressful situations,” she said. “It’s not just the immediate danger they may face, but the physical and mental toll.”
A Roll Call of Heroes was presented by Donna Dunn, F.O.P. Lodge #11 Auxiliary.
She announced the following heroes: Benjamin F. Irey, Chester County Sheriff’s Department, Jan. 3, 1887; Daniel W. Guldin, North Coventry PD, Sept. 10, 1959; Robert J. Lomas, PA State Police Avondale, June 13, 1971; Richard J. Posey, Kennett Square PD, Nov. 15, 1972; and William W. Davis, Kennett Square PD, Nov. 15, 1972.
Also, Robert W. Gates, East Pikeland PD, July 23, 1975; David D. Monahan PA State Police Embreeville, April 17, 1980; John J. Brown, PA State Police Avondale, Feb. 14, 1985; Douglas H. Pyle, Parkesburg PD, Sept. 15, 1988; and Joshua “Josh” Micun, Westtown- East Goshen PD, Oct. 31, 2021.
Tina Marinari, of the memorial committee presented the opening ceremony.
The presentation of the colors and “Amazing Grace” were given by Chester County Law Enforcement–Chester County Emerald Society Drum and Pipe Band.
South Coatesville PD Chief Kevin Pierce sang the National Anthem and Williams gave the invocation. Adult Probation, Parole and Pretrial Services Deputy Chief Rick Marinari gave Saint Michael’s Prayer.
The F.O.P. Memorial Committee consists of Marinari, Butch Dutter, Steve Scott and Steve Plaugher.
