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Chester County Press

Police, first responders, and Good Samaritans honored by District Attorney’s Office

07/19/2022 01:19AM ● By Steven Hoffman

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office held its annual awards ceremony recognizing and honoring law enforcement, first responders, Good Samaritans, and others for their extraordinary efforts to make Chester County a better and safer place to live, work, and raise families. 

District Attorney Deb Ryan quoted Fred Rogers, the soft-spoken, cardigan-wearing teacher to many young children when he was on television from the late 1960s to 2001. She said he once recounted sage advice given to him by his mother for times of crisis or difficulty: “Always look for the helpers. There is always someone who is trying to help.” 

Ryan said, “Mr. Rogers took those words to heart and later said, ‘I came to see that the world is full of doctors, nurses, police and firemen, volunteers, neighbors, and friends who are ready to jump in to help when things go wrong.’ ” 

Ryan continued, “In difficult times like we are experiencing now, with what can appear to be relentless anger and divisiveness, it provides great solace and comfort to know that there is a multitude of good people out there who care about making this world a better place. These awards are about honoring people for their acts of bravery, courage, and dedication to others. I am very proud to be part of a team of helpers. It gives special meaning and purpose to our lives.” 

Ryan explained that if you are in law enforcement or are a first responder, you are a helper because you rush to aid victims – children who were brutally beaten or families devastated by the senseless murder of a loved one. You are the ones people instinctively look for when they need help in times of crisis. 

“Prosecutors are helpers,” Ryan said. “They fight for justice for victims, families, and survivors inside courtrooms before judges and juries because we do our best to enforce the law and because society demands it. Our essential support staff are helpers because they keep the trains moving and the aisles clear. In our office, they assist prosecutors, detectives, law enforcement, and the public across the county. They are the ones we all go to in a clutch situation.”

Ryan said that helpers are neighbors, friends, and acquaintances who show up in times of need. It takes a unique quality in someone to make them jump into a dangerous, unknown, and risky situation.

“The incredible accomplishments we recognize remind us of the truly important work that keeps us safe and protected – work that usually happens behind the scenes with no fanfare or accolades,” Ryan said. “Every recipient of these awards told me a variation of the same thing when I informed them they were being honored. Either it was a team effort, or they only did what they did because it was the right thing to do. And that is true. Success in our jobs comes from teamwork because we each serve a valuable and vital role. Our drive comes from a selfless and meaningful place to further our mission of doing the right thing for the right reasons and with integrity.” 

The awards presented include the following: 

Prosecutor of the Year: Deputy District Attorney Emily Provencher.

Detective of the Year: Chester County Detective Maurice Nadachowski.

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: North Coventry Township Detective Timothy Prouty.

Administrative Professional of the Year: Regina Stewart

DAO Commendation: The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department for the extraordinary efforts in the investigation, arrests, and prosecution of the attempted murder of a 9-year-old in Westtown Township on Nov. 23, 2020.

DAO Commendation: The West Fallowfield Police Department for their extraordinary efforts in the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of the homicide of Samuel Algarin in W. Fallowfield Township on Sept. 13, 2018.

DAO Citation: Evvie Harrison for her extraordinary heroism in saving a 13- year-old from a child predator on July 9, 2020, in South Coventry.

DAO Citation: Stacey Tshudy for her extraordinary act of heroism and life-saving assistance to an injured police officer on Sept. 3, 2021, in Coatesville.