Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
‘Larger than life’
Street renamed for man who was track star, first Black officer and community leader
Radnor officials and community members honored the memory of a longtime township resident and the township’s first African-American police officer.
During a ceremony at St. John AME Church Rosemont on Saturday, township officials, along with residents and family members, helped dedicate Williams Road in honor of George Sydnor.
The roadway stretches from Conestoga Road to Lewis Lane in the Garrett Hill section of the township.
“We all gather here to celebrate the life, legacy, and birthday of one of the greatest men I have ever known, George F. Sydnor. I just called him Dad,” said the Rev. Manuel Howard, St. John AME Church Rosemont. “A husband, a father, a track star, a policeman, a detective, a community leader, a humble crossing guard, and a friend to all. A true hometown hero who has left an indelible mark on
Garrett Hill, Radnor Township, Delaware County, and far beyond that greatly impacted the lives of so many.”
The ceremony was to be held outside at the intersection that now bears Sydnor’s name, but due to the heavy rains Saturday, it was moved indoors.
Following speeches in the church, the rains stopped, so most of the nearly 100 people inside the church walked the halfblock to the intersection.
Although the street sign was already uncovered, the township also unveiled a hometown hero banner showing a photo of Sydnor.
Sydnor served in the police department for 15 years after joining in 1964.
Before his police service,
Sydnor was a standout high school and collegiate athlete, winning national and state titles in track for Haverford High School, running for Villanova University’s IC4A and NCAA championship track teams, and as twotime co-holder of the 60yard dash world record.
State Rep. Lisa Borowski (D-168) brought a citation from the state house in recognizing Sydnor.
“His legend is larger than life,” said Borowski. “And it is only fitting that here in Garrett Hill, we would name a street in his honor and continue to elevate his name and his legacy and to make sure that not only do we know about him now and in the past but also in the future.”
After graduating from Villanova, Sydnor began his career in the police department, rising to the rank of detective.
After leaving the department, Sydnor graduated from the FBI’s National Academy and worked for Wyeth Laboratories and West Chester University. When Sydnor retired, he worked as a crossing guard in Garrett Hill.
Chris Flanagan, police superintendent, spoke about how street signs give direction.
“Please take the inspiration from George Sydnor, a detective, a police officer, most importantly a father and an inspirational leader in our community, and help those find direction in our world,” Flanagan said.
Sydnor has been inducted into the Black Sports Hall of Fame, Villanova University Sports Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Delaware County Chapter), Haverford High School Sports Hall of Fame and Delaware County Athletes Sports Hall of Fame.
Currently, pieces of his Radnor police uniform are displayed in the Sports Legends of Delaware County
Museum at the Radnor Township Municipal Building.
Sydnor died at the age of 86 in May 2022. A year later, the Radnor commissioners approved renaming the street in his honor.
“George Frederick Sydnor was a graduate of Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, having been recruited by Villanova on a track scholarship where he was a member of their IC4A and NCAA Championship track teams; member of five Penn Relay Championships, and twice co-holder of the World Record 60-yard dash,” according to a portion of the resolution the board passed in May approving the street naming.