McGowan remembered for work on behalf of 'Mission Kids'

Published: Wednesday, June 23, 2010

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By JENNY DeHUFF

Times Herald Staff

EAST NORRITON — It was a somber Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday night, with the majority of agenda items tabled for another day. The focus of the meeting was obvious — to honor the memory of Police Chief John McGowan.

Perhaps what many remember him for is his invaluable role in the founding and implementation of Mission Kids, Montgomery County’s nonprofit organization aimed at easing the criminal justice process for victims of child abuse.

District Attorney Risa Ferman first praised McGowan’s name for his instrumental part in the formulation of Mission Kids, an idea that, early on, seemed a daunting proposal.

The challenge facing Mission Kids when it opened its doors in 2009 was in getting the three components of the program to work together fluidly. It entailed the cooperation of all 52 police chiefs throughout Montgomery County, the District Attorney’s Office and the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth.

But the program’s director had faith McGowan could make it work.

“If all 52 departments didn’t agree, it would be a particular challenge,” said Mission Kids Executive Director Abbie Newman.

“Chief McGowan was presented with the idea by Risa Ferman, and he was so inspired by the project, that, not only did he say yes, but then he went on to become her advocate in speaking with other chiefs in the departments. He was very much a part of changing the way in which child abuse cases are investigated in Montgomery County.”

Newman said McGowan began his involvement in Mission Kids when murmurings of the program started in 2004.

“(Ferman) knew how invaluable he was going to be in getting it off the ground,” said Newman.

“Once we got (Mission Kids) open, not only was he so pleased and so proud to open it in his jurisdiction, but he was there all the time — his support was there.”

In January, McGowan was a recipient of the Louis D. Stefan Law Enforcement Award by the Montgomery County Bar Association. The award, bestowed upon McGowan for promoting the rule of law and the administration of justice in the community, was accompanied by a $500 grant.

“He turned around and gave that check to Mission Kids,” said Newman. “How do you replace that?”

During the Board of Supervisors meeting, it was announced proceeds from the July 3 2nd annual Celebration 5K run will be donated to Mission Kids, in honor of McGowan’s leadership in the program.

East Norriton Township Manager Donald Delamater said Mission Kids was something McGowan “totally believed in.

“He believed in the youth of this town and he would do anything for the kids. It broke his heart when he saw kids going through this process of going from police department to police department, being interviewed. I think he took it personally, that he wanted to get this completed, and he certainly did.”

Assuming the role of acting police chief is Lt. Karyl Kates, who worked directly under McGowan and called him a mentor. While hers is a temporary posting, Kates said she is humbled to be given the responsibility.

“I am 100 percent focused on sending him off which such honor,” Kates told The Times Herald.

“Everyone knows the John McGowan grin, with the twinkle in his eye. I am purpose-driven to make sure he’s proud of us. He was an honorable, honest, fair and caring man. He loved the men and women in his police department. He was a genuine cop’s cop.”

A viewing for McGowan will take place Thursday at 5 p.m. at Shelly Funeral Home, 1460 Easton Rd. in Warrington. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church at 321 Witmer Road in Horsham. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 333 County Line Road, Feasterville.

Jenny DeHuff can be reached at jdehuff@timesherald.com or 610-272-2500 ext. 207.