Haverford Police Deputy Chief Talks 'Race For Peace' On Public Access Show

HAVERFORD, PA – You may have seen Patch post blurbs about local police departments taking part in "Race for Peace" events over the last several months. What is Race for Peace?

Well, Haverford Township Police Department Deputy Chief Joe Hagan joined representatives from two other Main Line police departments, as well as the Race for Peace founder, for an interview on 30 Minutes With Rick Anthony to shed light on the new program.

Race for Peace aims to bring together law enforcement, community leaders, faith leaders, and more to promote peace in communities in and around Philadelphia.

Hagan, Capt. Eugene Pasternak of Lower Merion Township Police, and Radnor Township Police Department Deputy Superintendent Chris Flanagan joined Race for Peace founder Andrew Howell for the interview.

Pasternak said Race for Peace's mission has been integrated into LMPD's Community Policing Unit.

"One of the important things [about Race for Peace] is that it goes beyond our border, it unifies surrounding departments, it brings in community leaders, and Andrew has an uncanny way of bringing people together," Pasternak said.

Hagan said the benefits seen in Haverford come from departments gathering and having "candid, open, honest, and frank discussions" with community members.

Flanagan said he has seen first hand how Race for Peace events bring the community and law enforcement together to address issues.

"Aside from answers, explanations, and understanding," Flanagan, "there was actually a sense of peace and a sense of trust, which is very valuable."

Howell's goals for Race for Peace are:

1. RFPC Summit Annually
2. RFPC Bike Tour Annually
3. RFPC quarterly Meeting’s
4. Ongoing continuous dialog with the communities and the Police
5. Mentoring the youth
6. Police+Seniors
7. Developing Incentive Programs that will help promote peace
8. Visiting Prisons annually
9. To end violence and bring peace to all communities in our region and our country.
10. To bring peace and harmonious relations between Police and members of communities.
11. To promote excellence in training police officers.

Howell said everyone who has participated in Race for Peace events so far has done an outstanding job.

You can learn more about Race for Peace at its website here.

You can watch the full interview on YouTube below:

Image via YouTube screenshot