Title
Recognizing and honoring highway patrol officer Andy Chan on his 25th Anniversary of service in the Philadelphia Police Department.
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WHEREAS, Andy Chan is a lifelong Philadelphian, husband, father, and decorated member of the Philadelphia Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Chan grew up in Chinatown and dreamed of becoming a highway patrol officer after seeing the officers come and go from his parent's restaurant; and
WHEREAS, His dream became a reality in 2004 when he was selected to serve in the elite highway patrol unit; and
WHEREAS, Chan became a standout member of the force - universally liked and respected by all of his colleagues - and a mentor to young people in his community; and
WHEREAS, Chan was publicly recognized for his heroic efforts in the wake of the deadly 2015 Amtrak crash in Port Richmond; and
WHEREAS, Chan and his partner, Kyle Cross, were among the first responders on the scene and worked to remove injured passengers from the debris; and
WHEREAS, Cross noted Chan's poise and leadership in the moment, saying, "He stayed so calm, he really just led the way. I followed his lead"; and
WHEREAS, Chan continued to proudly serve until tragedy struck on January 3, 2019, when he was involved in a gruesome traffic accident while on patrol in Northeast Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Chan was launched from his motorcycle after being struck by an elderly driver, leaving him in critical condition; and
WHEREAS, Chan survived the accident but suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a nearly year-long coma; and
WHEREAS, Chan - with the unconditional support of his wife and three children - has continued to make progress one day at a time in his long road to recovery; and
WHEREAS, The Police Department and communities across the City have rallied together to offer emotional and financial support for Chan and his family in their time of need; and
WHEREAS, This year marks a quarter century since Chan first put on a Philad...
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