We would like to congratulate Officer Thomas (T.J.) Farrell, our 2024 Police Officer of the Year. Also nominated for this prestigious award were the following officers:
P/O Steven Cowdery
P/O William Forbes
The above group of officers represent only a few of more than a hundred dedicated officers serving the citizens of the 7th Police District.
BELOW IS THE LETTER OF NOMINATION SUBMITTED BY OFFICER FARRELL'S SERGEANT, MICHAEL HESTON:
Officer Farrell has been a Philadelphia Police Officer for 22 years. He began his career in the 26th District before transferring to the 7th District in 2008. Throughout his career, he has also been assigned to cover South Street. In addition, he is a member of the Philadelphia Police Bike Patrol and is trained in the use of long guns for active shooter situations or other serious incidents.
During the year, Officer Farrell made several noteworthy arrests, including the following examples:
On Friday, February 9, 2024, Officer Farrell observed a Ford Mustang exiting the Wawa parking lot at 10901 Bustleton Avenue while traveling in the center median island without headlights. He activated his overhead lights and conducted a vehicle investigation. During the stop, the operator was found to have a suspended license. Officer Farrell informed the driver that the vehicle would be impounded under the Livestop program. At this point, the operator became agitated, repeatedly exiting and reentering the car before moving to the passenger side to retrieve a Target bag. Officer Farrell noticed the handle and trigger guard of a handgun inside the bag, prompting him to detain the male in handcuffs for further investigation. It was later determined that the suspect’s permit to carry had been revoked, leading to his arrest. The offender was charged with VUFA (Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act) and related offenses.
On Friday, June 7, Officer Farrell (#5272) was traveling northbound on Bustleton Avenue when he observed a white Land Rover driving recklessly, aggressively attempting to overtake other vehicles. Running the vehicle’s license plate through police radio, he confirmed that it was wanted for fleeing and eluding law enforcement. Officer Farrell positioned himself behind the vehicle and coordinated with additional officers to track its location and direction, ensuring minimal civilian traffic before initiating a stop. Once sufficient police personnel were in place and civilian risk was reduced, Officer Farrell initiated the traffic stop, successfully apprehending the driver without endangering police or civilian lives.
In addition to these notable arrests, Officer Farrell consistently ranks among the squad’s leaders in conducting vehicle and pedestrian stops.
In addition to serving as a Philadelphia Police Officer, Officer Farrell has spent the past 16 years coaching high school and grade school swim teams in the area. For the last five years, he has also volunteered with the Snider Hockey Foundation, teaching children how to play ice hockey. Beyond his coaching responsibilities, he dedicates time to volunteer work with the Travis Manion Foundation, which supports recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help them overcome physical obstacles, strengthen family bonds, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Officer Farrell also participates annually in the Ben to The Shore bike ride, which raises funds for first responders in the Delaware Valley. Additionally, he takes part in several ocean swim events to support local beach patrols.
