"Driven By His Need To Serve," Former Police Chief Honored

The commissioners of Montgomery County formally recognized the life and work of former police Chief John McGowan III on Thursday by posthumously honoring him the Pathfinder Award.

McGowan began working in law enforcement in 1974 with Lower Moreland Township. He was there for 18 years, during which time he graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico and earned a Masters in criminal justice from St. Joseph’s University.

McGowan was instrumental in establishing the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in the community to improve the community response to child victims of abuse.

“(McGowan) was instrumental,” states the commendation for the award. “Chief McGowan spent 18 months tirelessly speaking to the police chiefs in the 52 police districts about the need for their support of a CAC in Montgomery County. He was met with some skepticism, but in his persistent, persuasive way, he eventually convinced each and every one of his law enforcement colleagues to endorse the concept.”

He went on to become the police chief and public safety director at East Norriton Township.

McGowan, a resident of Horsham, passed away in 2010 after a motorcycle accident.