Police, Fire, EMT of the Year Awarded for Loyalty Day

Springfield's celebration, presented by State Rep. William Adolph, the and VFW Post 928, included awards for Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year and EMT of the Year April 28.

Attendees gathered outside the to recognize outstanding first responders, all military members, past and present, with programs distributed in memory of the departed veterans of VFW Posts 5705 and 928.

"This event is unique to Springfield, to take time to recognize our citizens and comrades. These are very special people. Their everyday duty is exemplary," Albert Evangelista, of VFW Post 928, said during opening remarks. He's organized the township's Loyalty Day event for 20 years.

When last year, there were concerns that might not continue as it had under its organization. With help from Police Chief Joseph Daly, Fire Chief Robert Woolson, and Township Manager Lee Fulton, among others, a committee worked to keep it going resulting in the successful event Saturday.

"I felt like Mr. Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life' when the whole community came to help out," Evangelista said.

Officer of the Year 

Patrolman Patrick McKenna, a graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, has been a member of the since the year 2000.

“This is definitely a great award to receive,” McKenna told Patch before the ceremony. “It’s humbling because there are 32 members of the department and all can’t be officer of the year every year.”

Board President Jeffrey Rudolph noted that McKenna responded to a on S. Providence Road and his work securing the scene and evidence lead to the prosecution of the gunman.

"He is highly deserving of this award," Rudolph said.

McKenna helped the department become the first in Delaware County last September. He helped organize the at the in August. In addition, he serves as a leader in the processing new member applications and getting information to the public through the program’s website.

McKenna's five-year-old daughter, Kathleen, gave him a big hug after he received his award and recognitions. His wife, Sharon, and parents also attended.

Firefighter of the Year

Former Chief Joseph Burns received the Firefighter of the Year award. He's been involved in fire service since 1960 as director, safety officer and assistant chief, working his way up to chief. Burns served in the U.S. Army completing a two-year tour in Vietnam. He was honored with a plaque on the in 2006.

EMT of the Year

Sue Martin was recognized as EMT of the Year. She has served as lieutenant as well as president and program director. She teaches CPR and first aid at Delaware County Community College. She has helped recruit many members to the all-volunteer .

Rudolph noted that she has 4,000 9-1-1 calls to her career and she is passionate about eradicating juvenile diabetes. Fun fact: Martin is of Native American decent; her mother is full-blooded Yurok of Northern California.

Remarks

"Today we thank our first responders and veterans, including those who've passed on and those fighting on foreign soil right now," Evangelista said.

"Our veterans and first responders have a lot in common because we take them both for granted," Adolph said. "We've all benefited from the services of the police, fire and EMTs, so we thank all of them, not just those recognized today."

"It's not the words of the politicians but the deeds of those honored that we recognize," State Rep. Patrick Meehan said keeping his remarks brief.

"The measure of the greatness of a community is the individuals in that community," State Sen. Ted Erickson said.

County Councilman Thomas McGarrigle said the Delaware County has the best 9-1-1 call center in Pennsylvania. He described its efficiency and ability to immediately dispatch.

"No matter how good the call center [technology] may be, the true heroes are first responders."

"These honorees don't wake up each day and say 'Today I'm going to be a hero,'" said State Rep. Joseph Hackett, who spent 26 years in law enforcement. He said first responders have loved ones they want to get home to see.

Other notable attendees included First Ward Commissioner Michael Culp, Second Ward Commissioner Gina Sage, Sixth Ward Commissioner Robert Layden and Seventh Ward Commissioner Daniel Lanciano.

Reverend Wylie Johnson provided invocation and benediction for the ceremony.

Loyalty Day is celebrated nationally on May 1.