Portion Of Route 611 In Warrington Named In Memory Of Police Officer

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — A portion of Route 611 from Upper Barness Road to Oakfield Road has been named the Officer Stephen C. Plum Jr. Memorial Highway.

State Rep. Brian Munroe joined township officials and members of the police department to officially unveil signage on June 9 designating the highway in Warrington Township and to present a commemorative copy of the sign to Plum’s widow, Nancy, and his children.

Plum had been living his dream as a K-9 police officer when he passed away in May 2022 at the age of 38 after suffering a heart attack at his home in Warwick Township.

In 2018, he earned his way into Warrington Township Police Department's first-ever K-9 Unit, where he was partnered with K-9 Murphy. He was fondly known as "K-9 Murphy's human". His family had shared that ever since he was a kid, he wanted to be a K-9 officer. And to see Officer Plum finally in that role was to see a man living out his childhood dream, they said.

According to his obituary, Officer Plum was known for his kindness, infectious laugh, smile, and big heart, which impacted everyone around him, including those in the Warrington community. He served with honor and dedication.

Members of the Warrington Township Police Department join the family for a photo next to the highway sign. (photo by Jeff Werner)

Moments after the sign was unveiled by one of Officer Plum's children. (photo by Jeff Werner)

Fred Gaines, chairman of the Warrington Township Board of Supervisors, delivers remarks as State Rep. Brian Munroe looks on. (photo by Jeff Werner)

The process to rename the highway began about a year ago by then-State Rep. Chuck Polinchock before passing the baton to Munroe and his staff who completed the process. Frank Farry co-sponsored the legislation while serving as a state representative.

Munroe was joined by now-State Senator Frank Farry, township officials, members of the police department, Officer Plum's family, and members of the public as the new signage was unveiled.

“That just shows you how much Steven means to all of us,” said Munroe of the crowd of people gathered at Route 611 and Upper Barness Drive for the unveiling.

Munroe presented the family with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and with a flag flown over the State Capitol in Harrisburg that was properly folded by members of the Warminster VFW.

“While we have done much to celebrate our former colleague Stephen C. Plum Jr. since we lost him last May, this sign brings us very close to him - and will be a forever reminder of all that he brought to Warrington Township as colleagues, visitors, and residents will see it (the sign) every day,” said Fred Gaines, the chairman of the Warrington Township Board of Supervisors.

“Most notably, Officer Plum was known as ‘Murphy’s human’ and wherever you saw Steve - you saw K-9 Officer Murphy,” said Gaines. “You may have seen them at Warrington Community Day, Shop-With-A-Cop, school functions, public meet and greets, and just about everywhere else. In fact, Steve chose not to take the test for promotion so he could remain in the K-9 Unit.

“Officer Plum was a personal friend to many in the department who are here today to honor him. He will be forever missed and never forgotten,” Gaines said.

State Senator Frank Farry with the family and K-9 Officer Murphy. (photo by Jeff Werner)

State Senator Frank Farry shared with the gathering that after being elected a state representative 15 years ago, one of his first legislative actions was to rename Route One in memory of Middletown Township Police Officer Christopher Jones who was struck and killed while conducting a traffic stop on the highway.

"I am honored to be part of this today and to the Plum family, I give you my sincere condolences," said Farry. "When I was serving in the House, I sat in front of Rep. Polinchock who made it his mission to make this day happen. It was an honor for him to make sure this happened.”

Officer Stephen Plum suffered the fatal heart attack the day after responding to a mutual aid request involving a barricaded subject in the 1300 block of Nevarc Road in Warminster.

The subject had been involved in a domestic dispute and was armed with a knife. Officer Plum had responded to the mutual aid request and stood by as part of the arrest team while controlling his canine for approximately 75 minutes before the man was taken into custody.

Following the barricade, Officer Plum responded to several additional non-routine calls and conducted daily performance training with his canine partner.

Officer Plum was preparing for work on the morning of May 16, 2022, when he suffered a medical emergency and collapsed.

After completing military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Steve served as a firefighter with the Abington and Roslyn Fire Companies and worked for the Fire Marshall's Office of Abington Township. He also served as an EMT with Second Alarmers Rescue Squad in Willow Grove and worked for the Rockledge Borough and SEPTA Police Departments.

He had served with the Warrington Township Police Department for eight years and had previously served with the Abington Township Fire Marshal's Office.

Officer Plum joined the Warrington Township Police Department in 2014 and over the past eight years served with the following specialty units: MIRT (major incident response team), Highway (Motorcycle), and Narcotics Unit. He earned many certifications.

In 2018, he earned his way into Warrington Township Police Department's first-ever K-9 Unit, where he was partnered with K-9 Murphy.

Plum is survived by his wife, Nancy, and five children, Andrew Plum, Aiden Plum, Wyatt Plum, Emmet Plum, and Francesca Plum, who range in age from 14 years to 18 months.

Family and friends of Stephen C. Plum Jr. gather next to the sign. (photo by Jeff Werner)