Commodore S. Harris Jr., 76, of Chester, a 30-year veteran of the Chester Police Department,  died Feb. 22, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Born and raised in Chester, Mr. Harris was a relentless advocate for the youth and disadvantaged of Chester.

He served as former lead pastor at First Faith Baptist Church, and spent his life making things better for his family, friends and neighbors.

He was a Chief Inspector with the Chester Police Department, president of the Chester branch of the NAACP and an assistant coach to the Chester High School football team.

He was also chaplain for the high school boys’ basketball team and volunteered for the local Police Athletic League.

 “He was a public serviceman by nature,” his family wrote in a tribute.

Mr. Harris was born Jan. 5, 1945.

He graduated from Chester High School.

At Calvary Baptist Church Sunday school class, he met the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a Sunday school class.

Mr. Harris summed up his life philosophy at his May 1995 police retirement.

 “Wherever injustice raises its head, I know my mouth will open up. You can count on that.”

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about Commodore Harris.