Lower Providence Adopts Resolution Honoring Officer Bradley Fox

Don Thomas, vice-president of the Lower Providence Board of Supervisors, set the tone of the board’s Sept. 20 regular meeting by leading those in the audience in the customary saying of the Pledge of Allegiance, which was immediately followed by a special moment of silence to honor slain Plymouth Township police officer Bradley Fox.

Thomas, who was chairing the board’s meeting in lieu of chairman Richard Brown’s absence, then presented to the board a resolution in which Lower Providence would officially recognize Fox’s sacrifice.

The following is the resolution as read by Thomas:

“A resolution honoring Plymouth Township Police Officer Bradley M. Fox:

Wheras Bradley M. Fox, a graduate of William Tennent High School, was a staff sergeant of the United States Marine Corps for 10 years, serving two tours of duty in Iraq and Fallujah. And whereas Officer Fox was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense service medal, The Iraq Campaign medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Navy Sea Service deployment ribbon and the Armed Forces reserve medal. And, whereas Officer Fox was a five year veteran of the Plymouth Township Police Department, recently graduating from the Philadelphia Police K-9 Academy with his partner Nick, and was the recipient of several citations for service, bravery and valor. And, whereas Officer Bradley Fox made the ultimate sacrifice and was tragically slain in the line of duty on Sept. 13, 2012. And, whereas Officer Fox’s selfless service to country, community and family, his willingness to risk his life to protect others must never be forgotten.

Therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, that we extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of officer Fox and join with so many others as they stand with Plymouth township in celebrating the life, and mourning the loss, of their hero, officer Bradley M. Fox.

Resolved and adopted this 20^th day in September, 2012.”

The present board supervisors unanimously voted in favor of adopting the resolution.

Lower Providence Police Department Commended for Plymouth Township Assistance.

At the end of the business portion of the board meeting, Lower Providence Township Manager, Richard Gestrich, recognized the Lower Providence Police Department for its efforts in providing police support during and in the aftermath of officer Fox’s death.

“I would like to commend Chief Carroll for all the work he’s done on the last week in connection with the tragic loss of officer Fox,” Gestrich said.

Gestrich recounted Carroll’s attendance at several meetings with Plymouth Township officials, helping to organize the viewing and funeral proceedings of officer Fox, during which thousands of community members and law enforcement officials attended, as reported by Patch.

“I know when the incident took place, Chief Carroll was instrumentally at the scene,” Gestrich said. “I think that Chief Carroll has gone above and beyond in this circumstance, and that he deserves to be commended for it.”

After applause by those in attendance, Carroll responded by acknowledging Lower Providence Police Lt. Stan Turtle for being an active and instrumental part in leading township police to support Plymouth Township. According to Carroll, Turtle left his home on the night of the incident to respond to the scene.

“From the moment that he got there until, literally last night, leaving the cemetery, he has been on the go, and has represented Lower Providence and Lower Providence Township Police Department in exemplary manner,” Carroll said.

Carroll also acknowledged and thanked Gestrich, as well as the township board of supervisors to permit the township’s police department to support Plymouth Township.

Carroll called the death of fellow police officer Bradley Fox the most difficult time for those in law-enforcement. In the face of this difficult time, Carroll said that Lower Providence Police officers acted in an exemplary manner, from the officers who also responded to the scene, as well as helped fellow municipal and state police take up extra patrol duties for Plymouth Township Police during and after the incident.

“A lot of people did a lot of great things in the last week. It has made me very, very proud of my profession,” Carroll said. “And the support we’ve received from the community, no one has said no.”

Carroll said that the community has been kind in recognizing Fox’s sacrifice and generous in giving back.

Carroll stated, should anyone be interested in making a donation, a fund has been set up called “The Fox Children’s Fund,” in care of Continental Bank, 661 Germantown Pike in Plymouth Meeting.