Holly MatkinBensalem, PA – Bensalem Police Department (BPD) Deputy Director David “Dave” Richardson died on May 11 after a lengthy battle against pancreatic cancer, according to his department.
The 48-year-old deputy director passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.
“The Bensalem Township Police Department, Director William McVey and Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo are sad to announce the passing of Deputy Director David Richardson,” the BPD said in a press release later that day. “He fought a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer over the last year with unending courage and humility but has finally succumbed to this horrible disease.”
Deputy Director Richardson served the BPD for 24 years.
He joined the department as a patrol officer and later spent 13 years serving with the K9 Unit alongside his partners, K9 Prince and K9 Czar.
Deputy Director Richardson supervised the Patrol Division, the K9 Unit, and the Criminal Investigation Division before being promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and which point he took over command of the K9 Unit and Criminal Investigations Division, according to the BPD.
“On January 21st of this year, he obtained a career long goal of becoming the Deputy Director of Public Safety,” the police department noted.
Deputy Director Richardson leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Johanna, as well as his daughters, Ella and Bailey, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his siblings, in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and many friends.
“The members of the Bensalem Township Police Department are heartbroken and have Dave’s family in our hearts and prayers,” the BPD said. “The entire community has lost a leader, an advocate and a friend… Dave’s resilience and love for his family, friends and the police department will always be remembered. We vow to continue his fight for justice, support the fight against cancer and watch over his family.”
Deputy Director Richardson will be laid to rest on May 25.
Bensalem Deputy Public Safety Director David Richardson has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, the police department announced. He was a 24-year veteran of Bucks County's largest police department and a former K-9 officer. His is survived by his wife and two daughters. pic.twitter.com/uaKQtteuSE
— Tom Sofield (@BuxMontNews) May 11, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Director of Public Safety Dave Richardson. Dave has battled pancreatic cancer over the last year with unending courage and humility but this morning finally succumbed to this horrible disease. #grumpstrong pic.twitter.com/zBTmk39202
— Bensalem Fire Rescue (@Bensalem_Fire) May 11, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bensalem Police Department Deputy Director David “Dave” Richardson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
