Longtime Retired Horsham Detective Honored For Work During Papal Visit

A longtime Horsham officer was among several law enforcement agents honored by Montgomery County Sheriff Russell J. Bono on Tuesday for their outstanding work during the Papal visit.

Former Detective John Austin was with the Horsham Police Department for 30 years before his retirement in 2011, according to the Horsham Police Community Services.

He currently works for the Sheriff’s Office as part of the County Emergency Response Team.

His team was one of seven teams recognized on Tuesday for “preparation and accomplishments” related to the Papal Visit, including staff efforts for K9 assistance, police department assistance, humanitarian actions and honor guard duty, according to the sheriff’s office.

“Many people don’t know that with over 100 law enforcement staff, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is one of the largest and highly skilled law enforcement agencies in the county,” Bono said in a press release. “It was an honor to be a part of such a great and once in a lifetime event.”

In addition to Austin’s Emergency Response team, the Bomb and Hazardous Device Disposal Unit, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Guard, City Line Ave., Philadelphia Guard, Bike Patrol Unit, Norristown Police Department Assistance and Security Team, and Motorcycle Unit were all recognized.