philadelphia investigator named amtrak police officer of the year
philadelphia investigator named amtrak police officer of the year
philadelphia investigator named amtrak police officer of the year
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />
May 14, 2013<br />
ATK-13-040<br />
Contact: Media Relations<br />
302 683.2129<br />
PHILADELPHIA INVESTIGATOR NAMED<br />
AMTRAK POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR<br />
PHILADELPHIA – Francesco (Frank) McBride is <strong>the</strong> 2012 Amtrak Police Officer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Year. Based in Philadelphia, Investigator McBride was assigned several high-pr<strong>of</strong>ile cases,<br />
many <strong>of</strong> which involved <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ft <strong>of</strong> copper wire from <strong>the</strong> Amtrak system. Copper wire <strong>the</strong>ft can<br />
disrupt train operations and damage railroad systems, putting passenger and crew safety at risk.<br />
Chief <strong>of</strong> Police Polly Hanson, Board <strong>of</strong> Directors Vice<br />
Chairman Jeffrey Moreland, and Safety, Security and<br />
Environmental Affairs Committee Chairman Albert DiClemente<br />
presented <strong>the</strong> award to Investigator McBride for his significant<br />
contributions to <strong>the</strong> Amtrak community, including <strong>the</strong> successful<br />
resolution <strong>of</strong> 52 cases assigned to him. Forty-eight <strong>of</strong> those cases<br />
resulted in arrest.<br />
“Through his unwavering tenacity to carry an investigation<br />
through to <strong>the</strong> end, Investigator McBride continually contributes to<br />
employee and passenger safety and security,” said Chief Hanson. “Investigator McBride<br />
consistently demonstrates <strong>the</strong> qualities <strong>of</strong> an exemplary law enforcement <strong><strong>of</strong>ficer</strong> and it is my<br />
honor to recognize him with this prestigious award.”<br />
In one case, Investigator McBride conducted a check <strong>of</strong> several local scrap yards,<br />
searching through 5,000 pounds <strong>of</strong> copper and locating <strong>the</strong> stolen tools and o<strong>the</strong>r materials.<br />
Subsequent detective work revealed <strong>the</strong> suspect’s name, which Investigator McBride recognized<br />
from a previous investigation. This suspect was <strong>the</strong> girlfriend <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r suspect arrested for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ft <strong>of</strong> Amtrak property <strong>the</strong> <strong>year</strong> before. A warrant was obtained and a surveillance operation<br />
conducted resulting in <strong>the</strong> arrest <strong>of</strong> both suspects and a confession by <strong>the</strong> boyfriend. A third<br />
-more-
party was also arrested in connection with <strong>the</strong> crimes.<br />
-2- ATK-13-040<br />
Between August 23 and August 27, 2012, several incidents <strong>of</strong> copper wire <strong>the</strong>ft were<br />
reported, resulting in damages to Amtrak <strong>of</strong> approximately $25,000 and causing disruptions to<br />
train service. Investigator McBride identified <strong>the</strong> area where <strong>the</strong>se <strong>the</strong>fts were reported as <strong>the</strong><br />
same area where wire <strong>the</strong>fts were reported a few months before, and learned that <strong>the</strong> suspect<br />
arrested in those incidents had been released on bail. Upon investigation at local scrap yards, it<br />
was discovered that <strong>the</strong> same suspect and an accomplice had sold stolen wire to <strong>the</strong> local scrap<br />
yard. Both suspects were apprehended near <strong>the</strong> scene <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> crime and confessed to <strong>the</strong> wire<br />
<strong>the</strong>ft during interrogation.<br />
Investigator McBride began his career with <strong>the</strong> Amtrak Police on August 30, 2001 and<br />
has worked as a Patrol Officer and K-9 Officer, in addition to his current role as Investigator. He<br />
is also a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department’s Pipe & Drum Unit, Peer Support Program and helped<br />
create <strong>the</strong> Mid-Atlantic Division North Safety Committee.<br />
The Officer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year award is a prestigious honor, presented this <strong>year</strong> during National<br />
Police Week which was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 to honor law enforcement<br />
<strong><strong>of</strong>ficer</strong>s who have paid <strong>the</strong> ultimate sacrifice protecting o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
For more information about <strong>the</strong> Amtrak Police Department, visit http://<strong>police</strong>.<strong>amtrak</strong>.com.<br />
About Amtrak®:<br />
Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, <strong>the</strong> nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. A<br />
record 31.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2012 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150<br />
mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, <strong>the</strong> District <strong>of</strong> Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates<br />
intercity trains in partnership with 15 states and contracts with 13 commuter rail agencies to provide a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
services. Enjoy <strong>the</strong> journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join<br />
us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.<br />
# # #