On behalf of the men and women of the Radnor Township Police Department, our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Floyd’s family as their pain and grief must be unbearable. The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners, Administration and Police Department share in the public’s disappointment and outrage regarding the disturbing circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Floyd.

“An oath was taken by every man and woman on the Radnor police force when we chose to become police officers. Our actions make a difference in lives being saved or taken in any given moment,” said Superintendent of Police Christopher B. Flanagan. “As police officers, we have the ability to stop something from going wrong or even stop someone from being hurt.”

We stand in solidarity with all Radnor Township residents, businesses and universities. We can never truly understand how a tragedy like this impacts our community, but it undeniably strains our community ties. We are committed to treating everyone who lives in or passes through our Township equally and that begins with a deep respect for all human beings.

Rev. Dr. Manuel “Bumper” Howard, a member of The Radnor Township Police Chaplains’ Program, is dedicated to bridging the relationship between law enforcement and the community overall. “As the Pastor of Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church of Wayne and Senior Police Chaplain for Radnor and law enforcement Chaplain of Delaware County my heart is heavy as a result of the murder of Mr. George Floyd, another black male, at the hands of this evil act,” said Rev. Dr. Howard. “These men swore an oath and were entrusted to protect and serve all people.”

Though we will never fully comprehend the feelings of Mr. Floyd’s family and friends, the law enforcement professionals throughout Radnor Township are pained and shocked by the police brutality witnessed on the video of Mr. Floyd’s arrest and murder. The conduct of these officers is unconscionable, and all involved must be held accountable.

“We can see how a select group of officers can impact one life as well as the opinions and values of the entire country,” said Flanagan. “These actions can affect those involved in the moment but also for a lifetime to come. We, as police officers, have a duty to uphold and protect humanity and, when we do not, we are at risk of tearing our community apart.”

The coming weeks will be difficult for law enforcement, nationwide and in Radnor Township. We are grateful for our excellent community relationships while we also remain cognizant of the legitimate concerns of the nations’ citizens. Radnor Township Police Department has always understood that it is our obligation to exercise the highest level of respect and restraint in protecting the public, but the events of this week have reminded us of the importance of the values we hold dear. We will continue to practice those values within our internal teams daily and communicate them to the community.

“I am pleased to say that I support Radnor Police Department and Delaware County FOP. They have conducted great community policing initiatives, diversity and de-escalation trainings. Our Chaplain Corp supports the police and community in all types of crisis,” said Reverend Howard. “I am glad to be part of the team and look forward to continuing to bring unity to our entire community. We must come together for the sake of humanity and put all our differences aside and look at how we are the same. This tragedy will give us all a chance to reflect and be transformed. My charge to all my brothers and sisters is to not be complicit and be agents of positive change.”

Radnor Township Police Department is committed to doing everything we can to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening in Radnor Township. Only together can we prevent crime and persevere through challenging times. As always, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our relationships with the community. No matter the challenge, we stand ready to serve.