In Memoriam
P/O Don Drobil
When someone dies, how do you properly sum up their life? How do you put down in a couple of paragraphs all of their accomplishments? How do you explain to people who did not know them who they were, the impact they had, and how much they will be missed?
The most common way is to list their accomplishments. Don Drobil had many in his time with the Cheltenham Police Department. He was a Patrol Officer, eventually rising to the rank of Patrol Sergeant. He was a Field Training Officer, mentoring numerous Officers. He was an accomplished Instructor, with numerous certifications including Firearms and Less Lethal. He was a decorated SWAT Operator with numerous high risk operations on his resume. Great career accomplishments to be sure, but they do not tell half the story. Someone much wiser told me, the job is what you do, it is not who you are.
So who was Don Drobil? He was a loving husband to his wife Amy. The type not embarrassed to tell his wife over the phone that he loved her, even when surrounded by fellow officers. He was a loving father to his daughter Emily, of whom he spoke daily. He was a son, a brother, and an in-law to two exceptional families. He was an amazing storyteller, with stories that will never be forgotten or able to be physically duplicated! He was honest and steadfast, a true gentleman who gave you his word, never went back on it, and always had your back. He had the best laugh. A good joke would cause him to laugh so hard and deep you feared for his physical safety. He was dedicated and diligent. He never finished first, he never finished last, but he always finished. He was brave. He fought his cancer for over a year, never complaining, always worrying more about the people around him than himself. He was a friend, not an acquaintance, but a true friend. The distinction and commitment level between the two is immense.
In all of the years I knew Don, I never heard a negative comment from anyone about any aspect of his person. When his name was mentioned the first words spoken were usually great guy. I guess that is how you sum up a true man and how he lived his life. Don Drobil was a great guy. He will be tremendously missed and never forgotten.
– P/O Andrew Lambrechtse #954
In the time of great sadness the men and women of the Cheltenham Township Police Department felt when Don lost his valiant fight with cancer we were comforted by the tremendous out-pouring of support from the Public Safety Com- munity and our fellow brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement. Throughout his illness you were there to comfort and support Don and his family and kept them in your thoughts and prayers. You helped ease burdens with kind words and financial donations. On the day we laid Don to rest you led our brother home in an overwhelming show of support. We could not begin to thank all of you or what you have done for Don, his family, and this Department; but would like to mention some in particular: Montgomery County FOP Lodge #14, East Norriton Twp. PD, Plymouth Twp. PD, Whitemarsh Twp. PD, Lower Merion Twp. PD, Springfield Twp. PD, Upper Moreland Twp. PD, Abington Twp. PD, Jenkintown Borough PD, Philadelphia Police Dept in particular Traffic Division and the 5th District. We would also like to express our gratitude to Phila. Police & Fire Pipes and Drums, Cheltenham Twp EMS, La Mott Fire Co.- Sta. #2, and Montgomery County Dept. of Public Safety; especially EDS
P/O Edgar L. Peterson
End of Watch EOW: Sunday March 3, 1946
Age: 56
Tour: 19 Years
Officer Edgar Peterson was killed in an automobile accident while responding to a domestic disturbance. His patrol car struck a telephone pole when he took evasive action to avoid hitting a dog in the roadway.
He suffered severe injuries and succumbed to his sustained injuries after being transported to a local hospital. Officer Peterson had served with the CTPD for 19 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chief John Frye
The Cheltenham Township Police Department mourns the loss of retired Chief John Frye, who passed away on Monday, January 29, after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
Chief Frye served the Cheltenham community for 26 years. He first joined the Department in November 1995 and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief in December 2015. He was named Acting Chief of Police from July 1, 2016, until his official appointment as Chief in February 2017, a position he served until November 2021.