In a heartfelt township gathering, local Ridley veteran Bill Brogan Sr. expressed profound gratitude to the commissioners for honoring his late son, Billy Brogan Jr., through the Hometown Hero Banner Program, writes Peg Degrassa for The Delco Times.  

The banner is prominently displayed at Parklane and Michigan Avenues in the Swarthmorewood in paying tribute to Billy’s selfless acts of bravery as a firefighter and EMT. 

Billy, alongside his devoted search dog, Cleatus, embarked on a journey of service that spanned various fire departments, including Woodlyn, Vulclain in Crum Lynne, and Prospect Park.  

His legacy includes saving numerous lives and locating lost children. Tragically, in June 2020, Billy passed away at 49 due to diabetes complications. 

The journey to commemorate Billy with a banner was spearheaded by his father, Bill, who navigated procedural endeavors to ensure his son’s bravery was immortalized within the community.  

The banner now hangs adjacent to Bill Brogan Sr.’s own banner.  

The Ridley Township Hometown Hero Banner Program was originally intended to honor armed forces veterans. But it has extended its recognition to heroes like Billy, who, despite not serving in the military, have impacted the community through acts of valor. 

 Read more about the veteran’s heartfelt dedication and devotion to his late son in The Delco Times.  

Ridley has previously honored and welcomed veterans.