By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer 

At the annual Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) awards ceremony on March 12, the recipient of the evening’s most prestigious recognition was missing, but it was for a good reason.

Officer David M. Madonna was off preparing to serve his country.

In ceremonies held at the New Garden Township Building, Madonna’s parents Stephen Madonna and Michelle Edwards accepted the prestigious 2019 Commissioners Award for their son, who is currently assigned to the Delta 1-50 Diamondbacks at Fort Benning, Ga., where he is completing his basic combat training for the Army National Guard.

Soon after the SCCRPD expanded its police coverage area to include Avondale Borough last year, Madonna became the borough’s primary officer, where he received high praise for his work with the community in conjunction with the objectives of the department.

“It cannot be overstated how important the responsibility of being the first Southern Chester County Regional Police Department officer working in a community that had not experienced our mission-oriented business model,” Police Chief Gerald Simpson said about Madonna. “P.O. Madonna embraced his charge and responded with the energy and enthusiasm required for his post.”

Simpson also acknowledged that Madonna embraced his role in Avondale from a “community policing” standpoint, “developing trusted contacts from all walks of life which would yield information helpful to us to perform our duties,” he said.

On Nov. 10, 2019, Madonna was off duty when he received a tip about a subject who was wanted for a felony burglary. Using his personal vehicle, Madonna confirmed that the information he received was accurate, and alerted his police colleagues, who later located the subject, was arrested after a vehicle pursuit and a violent struggle.

“P.O. Madonna’s accomplishments stood above and beyond his peers in 2019 – conspicuous and exceptional indeed,” Simpson said.

In addition to Madonna, several other SCCRPD officers were acknowledged during the presentation. DUI enforcement awards were given to Officers Gregory Blue, Justin Busam, Vincent Giacobello, Nicole Lantz, Riley Miller, Alexander Reed, Raymond Sullivan, Stephen Syska, Braden Walsh and Madonna, while PFC Jeremy O’Neill and Cpl. Benjamin Brown received lifetime awards for their efforts in curbing DUI incidents.

The ceremonies also included the formal swearing in of Walsh and Braden Krissinger as full-time officers, and the swearing in of Brown and Cpl. Ryan Kushner for their promotion to the rank of Corporal.

In addition, the SCCRPD’s Challenge Coin was issued to Avondale residents James Duffy and Abby Longen -- as well as Longen’s dog, Pippa – for their efforts in assisting the police with the apprehension of a felon.

On Sept. 16, 2019 at about 1:30 p.m., officers responded to a complaint of drug activity in the area of 81 East Baltimore Pike in the borough. Upon police arrival, the suspect fled in a vehicle that crashed less than a mile from the scene at State Street and Pomeroy Avenue. The suspect then fled on foot from the pursuing officers.

With the assistance of Duffy, Longen – and the dog’s barking – the suspect was observed attempting to conceal himself in a nearby backyard. Duffy and Longen directed the police to the suspect’s location, where he was arrested on numerous felony charges.

Former New Garden Township Manager Tony Scheivert was also recognized for his five-year service to the township and his commitment and support of the police department; namely, championing the SCCRPD's efforts to create its current headquarters on Gap-Newport Pike in the township. 

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].