Murder, assault, and fraud surrendered to tenacity, justice and teamwork on Friday afternoon in Courtroom One of the Justice Center.
Dozens of members of law enforcement were recognized for contributions toward prosecuting some of the county’s most heinous criminals – a litany that ranged from sex abusers to assassins.
Amid the mayhem, the county’s law enforcers consistently excelled, said District Attorney Tom Hogan. He added that the kind of dedication and determination he has seen should put prospective criminals on notice: “If it happens here in Chester County, you’re going to get caught.”
The three primary award recipients - prosecutor, county detective, and law-enforcement officer of the year – all credited their colleagues with helping them achieve any success.
Deputy District Attorney Deborah S. Ryan, a Birmingham Township resident who heads the county’s Child Abuse Unit, was cited for her handling of a series of gut-wrenching prosecutions. In one case, a longtime foster parent was convicted of sexually abusing five children; in another, a township supervisor had amassed an explicitly labeled collection of child pornography.
First Assistant District Attorney Michael G. Noone said Ryan had inspired others not just for the work that she did, but also for the manner in which she performed it, a lively style that sometimes included song, tough love, and “vicious practical jokes.”
Ryan said that she is surrounded by people who are generous, kind, and hard-working. “These people fight tirelessly for the children in this community,” she said, referencing colleagues from detectives to support staff. Ryan said that she gets inspiration from her family, including her husband and two children, as well as her late grandmother, an Auschwitz survivor.
She said her grandmother, who came to the U.S. with nothing, always stressed being kind, having a sense of humor, and speaking up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. “My grandmother would be very proud of everyone in this room and what we accomplish on a daily basis,” Ryan said.
The County Detective of the Year - Thomas Goggin - earned a reputation for a positive attitude and positive results during his 23-year career in law enforcement, said Hogan. Hired by the county in 2013, Goggin has showcased his perseverance during several, lengthy cases in 2014 that involved scrutinizing copious records.
Hogan said one colleague gave Goggin the ultimate compliment when he suggested that if he ever did anything wrong, “Tom Goggin would be the last one I’d want investigating it.”
The cases that Goggin handled this year included a former Coatesville police detective who was convicted of embezzling funds from his former colleagues and the Police Athletic League and a former township manager who was imprisoned for dipping into his employer’s coffers.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve Chester County,” Goggin said, adding that it is a privilege to be part of the best. “It is truly a team effort … I’m deeply indebted to the law-enforcement officers who showed me the way.”
The recipient of the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award (LEO) – New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald Simpson – echoed that theme. In fact, Hogan said when Simpson learned that he would receive the honor, he expressed disbelief, insisting there were worthier candidates. When Hogan disagreed, the chief acquiesced only if the people who had worked with him on the project that garnered his recognition were part of the ceremony.
Hogan explained that the tragedies at Sandy Hook and Virginia Tech had shaken the county’s law-enforcement community, prompting sleepless nights about whether Chester County could respond effectively to an active shooter. Hogan said a coordinated training program needed to be in place. For the daunting task of organizing 40 law enforcement agencies, plus other first responders, such as medics and firefighters, he chose Simpson.
Proof that Simpson did a superb job of getting 800 police officers and other responders trained and ready for that kind of emergency came two months ago when the Department of Justice issued its guidelines. “It was a mirror of what we had already come up with,” Hogan said.
Simpson said his task hit home on Feb. 11, 2013, when he learned that a gunman had opened fire at the Wilmington courthouse, where his brother works for the Delaware Capitol Police. He said it took an agonizing 20 minutes and a series of phone calls before he learned that his sibling was OK; three people, including the shooter, died at the scene. “I’ve never felt so helpless,” Simpson said.
During the training process for Chester County, Simpson said he relied on the crew of volunteers and instructors who stood at his side as he accepted the award. The volunteers had a particularly onerous duty since they repeatedly got shot, stabbed, and tackled by the police during the simulations.
Simpson said in devising a strategy for dealing with an active shooter, the county also received advice from two members of the Connecticut police involved in the Sandy Hook massacre.
Chief of Staff Chuck Gaza read a list of more than a dozen commendations for other officers and departments, including the Pennsylvania State Police, who pursued challenging cases in 2014. They ranged from an international con artist who specialized in ripping off senior citizens in Downingtown to the co-owner of a Chadds Ford massage parlor who sexually assaulted several female clients.
Sen. John Rafferty was honored for his work on the new aggravated arson statute - legislation prompted by the arsons that plagued the City of Coatesville several years ago. “I’m humbled standing here with the men and women here today,” he said. Then he told the children in the audience that in contrast to the Super Bowl, the real heroes were surrounding them in the courtroom.
The program ended with “Amazing Grace,” sung a cappella by Chester County Deputy Sheriff Wayne Johnson - a tribute to those in law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty.
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