Fallen Norristown Officer Remembered By Montco Commissioners

NORRISTOWN, PA — County commissioners recently paid tribute to a veteran Norristown police officer who tragically died in a bicycling accident in Lancaster County while he was training for an Ironman competition that is scheduled to take place this fall in Hawaii.

During their recent monthly meeting, Montgomery County Commissioners offered thoughts about Corporal Brian Kozera, a 16-year member of the Norristown Police Department who died after being involved in a vehicle accident while riding his bike.

"The county's thoughts are with Brian's family and loved ones during this difficult time," Commissioners Chair Val Arkoosh said at the meeting.

Arkoosh, who opened the monthly meeting with words about the fallen officer, urged members of the community to make donations to the Montgomery County Hero Fund, since 100 percent of all contributions would be given to Kozera's surviving family members.

Kozera was married with three children.

Kozera had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer some years back, but in 2015 was declared cancer-free, Arkoosh said.

Since that time, he continued to raise money for various cancer foundations to help those suffering from the disease.

Kozera had also participated in various athletic competitions throughout the years, his athleticism, drive and determination coming after being diagnosed with such an advanced form of lymphoma.

Investigators determined that Kozera failed to stop at a stop sign during his recent ride through Lancaster County, and he ultimately ended up colliding with a large pickup truck, which pinned Kozera under one of its wheels.

Kozera was subsequently pronounced dead by the Coroner's Office in neighboring Berks County, where Kozera had been taken following the crash.

"Norristown Police Corporal Brian Kozera was a devoted husband, father of three daughters, friend to many, and coach for several activities," reads a description on the Hero Fund website. "He was an IRONMAN, CANCER SURVIVOR, a mentor to anyone who needed him, and a devoted Police Officer with the Norristown Police Department for 16 years."

Anyone wishing to contribute donations to the Montgomery County Hero Fund can visit the fund's website here.