Philadelphia Mourns: Final Farewell to Fallen Highway Patrol Officer

Key Takeaways

• Officer Andy Chan, a 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, has passed away after years of intensive care following a 2019 crash.
• A public viewing was held for Chan at Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church, where he attended elementary school.
• Chan was a beloved member of the community, particularly in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, where he grew up and remained deeply connected.
• A procession and funeral services will be held on Tuesday to celebrate Chan’s life and service.
• The public is invited to pay their respects to Chan from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Introduction to Officer Andy Chan’s Legacy
The Philadelphia Police Department and members of the community gathered on Monday evening to begin paying their final respects to Officer Andy Chan, a dedicated public servant who served for over 20 years. Chan’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the community, particularly in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, where he grew up and remained a beloved figure. As commanders from across the department marched to Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church, family members looked on, remembering the man who had dedicated his life to serving and protecting others.

The Accident and Its Aftermath
Officer Chan’s life took a tragic turn in 2019 when he was involved in a devastating crash. A driver struck his motorcycle, leaving him with critical injuries that would require years of intensive care. Despite the challenges he faced, Chan remained a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring his colleagues and the community with his courage and determination. As Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel noted, "When you look at Andy, whose accident was almost six years ago, we continued to support him and his family through that difficult time, and now supporting him as he goes on to a better place."

Chan’s Connection to the Community
Chan’s connection to the community was deep and profound. Growing up in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, he attended elementary school at Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church, the same church where his public viewing was held. John Chin, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, knew Chan personally and remembered him as a young man who always wanted to be a police officer. "He’s been in Chinatown all his life, and he was coming back here all the time. It’s a huge loss," Chin said, reflecting on the impact of Chan’s passing on the community.

Celebrating Chan’s Life and Service
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of Officer Chan, they are also celebrating his life and service. "Tonight and tomorrow it’s really about celebrating Andy Chan the person, the good deeds he’s done all his life," Chin said. The public viewing and funeral services are an opportunity for the community to pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to serving others. On Tuesday, a procession will escort Chan from the funeral home to the Philadelphia Police Department before continuing to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Logan Square. The public is invited to pay their respects from 8 to 11 a.m., and services will follow, with seating reserved for family, friends, law enforcement, and dignitaries.

A Final Farewell
As the community prepares to say their final goodbyes to Officer Chan, they are remembering a man who was not only an incredible police officer but also an incredible human being. "Tomorrow will be a very solemn but a more special day as we celebrate an incredible young man, not just an incredible police officer, but an absolutely incredible human being," Commissioner Bethel said. The outpouring of support and condolences is a testament to the impact that Chan had on the lives of those around him, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others to serve and protect their communities.