14 Police District's new captain, John Hearn. (Photo by Sue Ann Rybak)

by Sue Ann Rybak

The new 14th District Police Capt. John Hearn, a 28-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, has helped escort countless dignitaries such as Pope Francis, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, Senator Hilary Clinton and many other high-ranking officials.

Hearn, 51, recently replaced Captain Sekou Kinebrew, who is now commanding officer of public affairs and social media and public information officer of the Philadelphia Police Department.

As the new head of the 14th Police District, which covers Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and parts of Germantown and West Oak Lane, he will be responsible for management and deployment strategies of the supervisors and officers assigned to the patrol district to provide for the safety and security of the citizens who make this area their home, run their business, or visit.

Prior to being appointed captain of the 14th District, he served on the Highway Patrol Unit, a special unit of the Police Department that coordinates safety for major city events such as Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia and the Democratic and Republican national conventions.

His extensive experience with security and logistics are skills that will serve him well – especially in the coordinating and planning of Chestnut Hill’s annual Harry Potter Festival.

Hearn, who grew up in Olney, said he looks forward to working with residents and the Chestnut Hill Business Association to ensure the event is safe and fun for everyone including residents. He praised Martha Sharkey, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District, for reaching out early in the planning process.

The father of three adult children, he said he believes the key to creating a safer community, city and country begins with respect. Hearn, one of nine children, said his father was one of the most influential people in his life.

“My father was my best man at my wedding,” he said. “He taught me to treat other people with respect and the importance of having a strong work ethic. I am the only one in my family in law enforcement. I have always felt called to serve.”

In addition to serving his community as a police officer, Hearn also volunteered for the Cheltenham Fire Department for 28 years.

In his 28 years on the police force he has worked as a police officer at the 35th District, as a sergeant and a lieutenant in the 14th District.

“Police officers cannot provide safety and security alone,” said Hearn, who trained at the FBI National Academy and is a graduate of Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. “We need the community to support our officers and watch out for one another. If we work together [as a community], we can make not only the 14th District, but the entire city a safer place to live.”

Captain Hearn invited the community to attend his next monthly Town Hall meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the 14th Police District, 43 W. Haines St. in Germantown.

For more information about Captain Hearn’s Town Hall Meetings, go to www.phillypolice.com.

Sue Ann Rybak can be reached at 215-248-8804 or sueann@chestnuthilllocal.com