Bensalem Police Department Deputy Director Passes Away

BENSALEM, PA — The Bensalem Police Department has announced the passing of their recently hired Deputy Director, David Richardson, who served in the police department for over 24 years.

According to the police department, Richardson died as a result of pancreatic cancer, which he had been fighting for over a year.

Having served in the police department for over two decades, Richardson oversaw the investigations section of police operations at the department, as well as the patrol and K9 divisions. During his 13-year tenure in the K9 unit, Richardson worked with K9 partners Czar and Prince.

Richardson was promoted from Lieutenant to the position of Deputy Director of Public Safety on Jan. 21. Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo and Director of Public Safety William McVey oversaw the ceremony and officiated him into the new position.

Before and during his work in the field of law enforcement, Richardson received a Bachelor's Degree from Lock Haven University, a Master's Degree from Oklahoma University, and graduated from Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command.

"The members of the Bensalem Township Police Department are heartbroken and have Dave’s family in our hearts and prayers," the police department said in a statement. "The entire community has lost a leader, an advocate and a friend."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Bensalem Township Deputy Director of Public Safety David Richardson," the Bensalem Fire Rescue said in a statement shortly after the news was announced on Wednesday.

Richardson is survived by his wife Johanna and his daughters Ella and Bailey.