‘REMEMBER THEIR SACRIFICES’

Southern Chester County Regional Police Department holds annual awards ceremony

NEW GARDEN » The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department held its annual awards ceremony on May 12 in Landenberg.

The event was held at the New Garden Township municipal building on Starr Road.

Near the close of the ceremony, Police Officer Riley Miller was given the prestigious 2021 Commissioners Award.

Besides officials from New Garden, the mayors of West Grove and Avondale were also present for the special Southern Chester County Regional Police Department event.

“These are difficult days for law enforcement,” said Police Officer Justin Busam during a presentation on National Police Week, which returns this year from May 15 to May 21.

Sixty years ago, back in 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and at that time also enacted the first-ever National Police Week.

“Remember their sacrifices each day,” Busam said to the many members of the public in attendance.

The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, which spans New Garden, West Grove and Avon

dale, has four core values: human life, integrity, justice and duty.

“The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department exists to preserve life and property, to enforce the law, to solve our communities’ problems and to protect the right of all citizens to live in a safe, peaceful environment,” reads the agency’s mission statement.

During the Thursday evening awards ceremony, New Garden Township Stephen Allband delivered opening remarks and announced that on May 13 there would be a candlelight vigil to honor fallen officers. Reverend Annalie Korengel delivered the invocation.

The event also paid tribute to the Kennett Area Rotary Club for its ongoing support.

Chief Gerald Simpson delivered a speech on command and leadership.

“We hold ourselves accountable,” said Simpson.

“The mission never changes,” the chief said.

Throughout his remarks, he addressed the police officers directly.

“Thank you very much for your service,” Simpsons said.

Nine police officers were recognized with DUI enforcement awards. In 2021, there were 127 DUI arrests by the department in the region.

Additionally, four officers took their oath of office during the ceremony, administered by the Honorable Matt Seavey.

After the ceremony ended, the family of Police Officer Riley Miller joined the chief for a few celebratory photos.

The Commissioners Award is given each year to a police officer in recognition of exceptional and commendable service.

JEN SAMUEL — MEDIANEWS GROUP Police Officer Riley Miller celebrates with his family and Chief Gerald Simpson after receiving the 2021Commissioners Award in Landenberg on Thursday.

JEN SAMUEL — MEDIANEWS GROUP Police Officer Riley Miller receives the 2021Commissioners Award from Southern Chester County Police Department Chief Gerald Simpson at the New Garden Township municipal building on Thursday.

JEN SAMUEL — MEDIANEWS GROUP A Southern Chester County Regional Police Department officer smiles with his son on Thursday in Landenberg.

JEN SAMUEL — MEDIANEWS GROUP Police Officer Riley Miller receives the 2021Commissioners Award in Landenberg on Thursday.