Patch - 1960s and 70s	Patch - 1980s and 90s	Patch - mid-1990s to the present

When the 20th century began, Upper Darby’s Population was 3,821 and its government was active only as the need rose.   On November 5th, 1906, Upper Darby’s first police officer, Edward C. Agnew, was appointed.  His duty was to “arrest all disorderly persons and take them before a Justice of the Peace to be dealt with according to law.”  In 1908 four other men were designated as police officers and served at the discretion of township commissioners without compensation and supplied their own horses.  By the middle of 1909, each officer earned a salary of $80.00.  The first Upper Darby Police Station opened in 1909 on the 900 block of Baltimore Avenue in Fernwood.

Since that time, the department continues to evolve.  There are currently 129 sworn officers that handle over 60,000 service calls a year over 7.62 square miles.  In 2007 the department investigated 1,499 criminal offenses and arrested 1,859 persons.  Highway patrol, K-9, and mountain bike units are popular assignments.  SWAT and hostage negotiations have become effective tools in handling crisis situations and high-risk warrant service.  Body armor helps keep officers safe.  Digital technology has completely changed the way law enforcement services are delivered.

What hasn’t changed is the human factor. The deep desire of the individual officer to protect and serve the residents of  Upper Darby Township with honor and distinction. 

(Thanks to Mr. Thomas J. DiFilippo for providing historical information and insight)