Annual tradition remembering fallen officers' families continues

Most people have a Christmas holiday tradition. On Thursday, 43 officers continued theirs, which includes remembering their fallen brothers in blue and the families left behind.

Plymouth Township, Whitemarsh, Philadelphia, Darby, Montgomery County and Pennsylvania State Police departments all had officers and troopers present, ready to deliver meals and holiday cheer to those left behind.

For 11 years, James Binns has led the annual holiday meals on wheels. It's a special day that begins with a hearty breakfast at the fancy Sunnybrook Golf Club in Plymouth meeting with the volunteering officers.

Over the years, the tradition has become so big, the group had to break the delivery down into two events.

"It's important for us to demonstrate to the families that we never forget that those brothers and sisters that have been killed in the line of duty," said Binns. "We will always honor their service, their memories and their families."

The group will deliver Christmas dinners to the families of fallen Officer Brad Fox, Deputy Sheriff Kyle Pagerly, Lt. Scott Wertz, and Officers Richard Lawn and Mike Wise.

"When you see the families and remember, reminisce, it's hard," said Pennsylvania State Police Tpr. Anthony Hopkins. "I've been to so many funerals."

Once the dinners are loaded up, they're transported by a motorcade procession of police officers on a mission that does more than fill stomachs- it warms hearts.

"It means so much to us because we miss him all the time and it's always difficult during the holidays," said Ofc. Richard Lawn's widow, Lauren. "They make sure that they let us know that they still think of him and us so it's very special to us."

On Friday the group will deliver meals to 32 families of fallen officers in Northeast Philly at FOP lodge 5.

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