2 Police Officers Honored For Heroism In Horsham

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —It was a weather disaster no one expected on that September afternoon.

A tornado touched down in the township and nearby Upper Dublin Township, turning the communities upside down and causing a disruption of services that lasted for days, weeks, and months.

Throughout Horsham Township, authorities scrambled to deal with the damage from a devastating Category EF2 tornado that caused flash flooding and left residents reeling.

At Horsham Township Council's meeting Monday night, two township police officers received commendations in recognition of their heroism.

On Sept. 1, 2021, Horsham Township was severely affected by the tornado. While officers worked throughout the day and the days that followed, showing their unwavering dedication to the citizens of Horsham, two instances are worthy of Commendations for Heroism.

On that evening, Police Officers Nicholas Tschepikiewski and Daniel Gorham were partnered up in the same patrol vehicle.

Just before 8 p.m., they responded to a 911 call on Cottage Avenue.

A caller had reported her wheelchair-bound neighbor was trapped in his home, physically incapable of evacuating themselves. When the officers arrived, the floodwaters were halfway up the resident’s wheelchair and rising.

Officers Tschepikiewski and Gorham responded and entered the flooded home and were able to move the resident to the second floor of his residence to await water rescue by the Fire Department.

Immediately after those same two officers responded to a call involving two older adult residents of Leary Trailer Park who were also trapped in their home and danger.

Officers Tschepikiewski and Gorham responded and waded through belt-high water to reach the couple, evacuating them from their home and bringing them to a safer area.

These officers demonstrated tremendous courage while maintaining a calm demeanor as they braved flood waters to assist numerous residents of Horsham Township.