6 Years Later, Montgomery County Hero Officer Brad Fox Remembered

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, PA — On a recent sunny Sunday afternoon along the Schuylkill River Trail, a small group of cyclists were parked near a railroad crossing. With helmeted heads bowed, they stood quietly before a small memorial dotted with brilliant yellow and blue flowers before turning to go.

It's a scene that's repeated throughout the year, as even in the heart of winter, framed by barren trees and the gray rail crossing, there are often colorful flowers adorning the memorial to Plymouth Township Officer Brad Fox.

Fox was tragically killed after responding to a hit and run on Ridge Pike on Sept. 13, 2012.

Thursday marks the sixth anniversary of Fox's death, and tributes from around Montgomery County poured in, commemorating the United States Marine, husband, and father.

Just days ago, the Brad Fox Scholarship Concert was held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hatboro to raise funds for a student at William Tennent High School. Next spring, on April 6, 2019, Brad Fox Day will be held at Archbishop Wood High School, including a 5k run, 1k walk, and a Veteran Expo.

The Officer Brad Fox Foundation also organizes other events which carry on Fox's legacy, including a second scholarship (at Archbishop Wood High School), and raising money for both Alpha Bravo Canine and the Warminster and Warrington police K-9 units.

Fox was 34 and a seven-year veteran of the force, serving with his K9 unit, when he responded to the call at around 6 p.m.

He pursued the suspect to the vicinity of Conshohocken Road and Ernest Station Road, near the Schuylkill River Trail, when the suspect shot him in the head and killed him. Fox' canine partner, Nick, was shot and wounded, but survived. The suspect was later killed.

Fox, a Warminster native and graduate of William Tennent High School, joined the Marine Corps in 1999 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sgt. in 2009 after 10 years of service and two tours in Iraq.

Fox was remembered not just as an exemplary officer, Marine, and public servant, but as a devoted and loving father and husband. Hundreds packed the church to capacity at his funeral service, and hundreds more packed into an adjoining lot to pay their respects.

"Your children will forever know the type of man you were," Fox's widow, Lynsay, wrote in a note that was read at his service. "They will always know who their Daddy is, and how amazing you were as a husband, father, friend, son, brother, Marine, and police officer. We all know your legacy will carry on through your children."

And as the flowered memorial on the Schuylkill River Trail illustrates five years later, Fox, and the lessons he embodied in the way he chose to live his life, will never be forgotten.

A fund has been set up for Fox's family. Donations can be made to the Fox's Children's Fund, C/O Continental Bank, 661 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462. To learn more about Fox and to share memories, see here.

Image via Police Chiefs Association of Montgomery County