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 Philadelphia police uniform in pursuit of his dream; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia needs heroes like Andy Chan. Our City has greatly benefited from his years of admirable service and continues to stand by him and his family; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it herby recognizes and honors highway patrol officer Andy Chan on his 25th Anniversary of service in the Philadelphia Police Department.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be submitted to the family of Andy Chan, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End