Lower Providence Officers Involved In Thomas Razzi Armed Standoff Honored By Supervisors

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — A number of local police officers who were involved in a case this summer where a local armed resident holed up in his home after an altercation with a code enforcement officer, and subsequently burned down his home, perishing in the blaze, were honored by local officials last week.

The Lower Providence Board of Supervisors recognized the officers who were involved in the case of Thomas Razzi, a 66-year-old township resident who died in his home following an armed standoff.

Read the previous report from Patch here.

The incident happened back on June 10 when officers received a call from a witness who had said Razzi was chasing a township code enforcement officer with a gun on his property, according to Lower Providence police.

The code enforcement officer had been sent to the home to check on a report of hoarding.

After officers arrived on scene, Razzi retreated to his home and locked himself inside. Loud explosions and gunfire were soon heard from within the residence, according to police.

Police said Razzi then intentionally set the home on fire; his body was later found within the rubble.

The fire set in Razzi's home ended up destroying three townhouses and caused damage to three others, police said.

Investigators believed that the explosions were in part a result of Razzi attempting to make homemade fireworks inside the home.

During the Lower Providence Board of Supervisors Meeting on Oct. 21, Police Chief Michael Jackson awarded a bravery commendation to seven officers and a unit commendation to five other officers and a fire official for their work on the case.

The officers were from Lower Providence and other area police departments who had assisted in the case.

"We are extremely proud of these officers and thank them for their teamwork, bravery and professional actions," reads a Facebook post from the police department. "Well done by all, congratulations!"

The seven bravery commendations were issued to Sergeant Matthew Kuhnert, Corporal Robert Heim, Corporal Brian Bishop (of the West Norriton Police Department), Officers Matthew Barber and Reginald Nealy, Detective William Murphy (of the Bridgeport Police Department), and Officer John Barnshaw (of the Collegeville Police Department).

The six unit commendations were awarded to Lieutenant William Hopkins, Detective-Sergeant Michael Higgins, Sergeant Ryan Singleton, Detective Scott Dreibelbis, Detective Charles King, Detective Michael Nastasi and Fire Marshal Michael Rohlfing.