Meet Jon Ichter.
“We have to bridge the gap between community and law enforcement.”
— Bobby F. Kimbrough Jr.
While serving as a Phoenixville borough council member, Jon wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he asked to ride along with Phoenixville police.
Immediately, he saw how hard officers work; over time, he noticed how rarely that effort led to real connections with the community. He came away with a question: How do we bring cops and community closer together?
His answer is Police with Purpose, the nonprofit he founded that provides fundraising and administrative support to Shop with a Cop, an event where local kids, many facing a tough season, each get money to spend at a store alongside an officer.
During one Shop with a Cop event, Jon recalls a young man who, after being given $200 to spend, turned to the officer and asked if he could use it to buy gifts for his family. Who wouldn’t be moved, right? Moments like that are the bricks in the bridge between police and the community.
As our Unsung Hero for January, Jon will receive a complimentary massage from PressurePerfect Massage—a small token of appreciation for his tireless work and dedication to making Phoenixville a stronger, more vibrant community.
