Phoenixville Officer, Now Chesco Forensic Detective, Honored

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A former Phoenixville police officer, now a County detective, has been recognized for expert forensic detective work that has for over two decades helped solve murders, shootings, and sexual assaults in Chester County.

Chester County Det. Gary E. Lynch was one among a group of community leaders commended for service in a ceremony last week as part of the Chester County District Attorney's Office annual Awards Ceremony. Lynch was named Detective of the Year.

District Attorney Deb Ryan said, "In our respective roles, it is the duty of each of us to serve and protect our communities. For most of us, this is a calling. We understand the critical importance of helping those in need, regardless of threat, danger, or obstacle, because it is our job to make this world a better place."

The Detective of the Year Award was given July 30 by Chester County Chief Det. David Sassa.

Sassa said, "I have the honor and privilege to serve with the men and women in the Chester County Detectives Office as the Chief of the Chester County Detectives. Integrity, tenacity, and teamwork are some of the attributes that describe all Chester County Detectives. The Chester County Detective of the Year embodies of all these core values, but if you could use one word to describe this detective it would be character."

Sassa explained that for 11 years, Lynch served with the Phoenixville Police Department, achieving the rank of Detective Corporal. In 2002, while working as a detective in Phoenixville, Lynch investigated the pre-dawn burglary and sexual assault of a pre-school age child.

"Because of his tenacity, he was able to successfully identify the suspect through DNA evidence and make an arrest in the investigation that assisted in providing some closure for this victim and their family," Sassa said.

"Yes, I said DNA in 2002 to solve a horrific crime," said Sassa. "This detective was solving crimes 20 years using DNA when most were just learning about DNA," he added.

"Because of his investigative and forensic skill sets, in 2007, (Lynch) was hired to be part of the Chester County Detectives Office. He was assigned to and currently serves in the Crime Scene Forensic Unit," said Sassa.

Lynch has focused his career and expertise almost entirely in the area of forensic science. "Crime shows have been written about the things he does on a daily basis because he serves as the backbone of criminal investigations. He helps solve murders, shootings, and sexual assaults. He is called upon around the clock, and has performed a critical role in our most serious evidence-based prosecutions in Chester County, where he carefully analyzes the scene and collects forensic evidence," said Sassa.

The Chief Detective explained that Lynch is recognized in the Court of Common Pleas as an expert in Crime Scene Forensics, and has extensive knowledge in the collection of physical evidence, blood spatter, trace evidence, the collection of ballistics evidence, and DNA evidence which is so crucial to police investigations. He is also responsible for the integrity of the crime scene through proper documentation, photography, and video imaging, Sassa noted.

"(Lynch) has to interpret the evidence from the crime scene and share his findings with other detectives and prosecutors. He then has to testify in court to explain in a way that a judge and jury will understand the evidence he has collected, processed and how it links to a suspect."

Sassa provided another list of things Detective of the Year Lynch does regularly:

• He serves as the custodian of evidence for the Chester County Detectives and is responsible for the security, order and integrity of the physical evidence room.
• He pr=rovides forensic analysis of digital photographs and videos recovered during investigations from cellular phones, business security systems, and residential security systems. He has to authenticate the origin of the video source and do a deep dive into the metadata on this type of evidence.
• He is responsible for maintaining our Mobile Crime Scene Forensic Vehicle making sure it is properly equipped with the latest evidence collection supplies and equipment.
• He is in charge of the District Attorney’s Office prescription drug take back program where we receive thousands of pounds of unused prescription pills and destroys them so they don’t fall into to the hands of others.

"Yes, this detective wears many hats, has many names, but the proudest name I know he has is 'Pop Pop,'" Sassa added.

Sassa said Lynch never wants to be in the spotlight. "He is an incredibly important member of our office who does his work with great skill behind the scenes and is one of the most humble people I know. Not only does he embody the core values of a Chester County Detective, but he is also a dedicated, committed, and talented detective whose efforts are deeply appreciated by all he works with."

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