We would like to congratulate Officer Stephen Cowdery, our 2025 Police Officer of the Year. Also nominated for this prestigious award were the following officers:
P/O MD Al Mamun
P/O John Connors
P/O Bryan Howell
The above group of officers represent only a few of more than a hundred dedicated officers serving the citizens of the 7th Police District.
BELOW IS THE LETTER OF NOMINATION SUBMITTED BY OFFICER COWDERY'S LIEUTENANT, BRIAN DOUGHERTY:
Officer Cowdery is a 23 year police veteran. He started his career in South Philadelphia's 3rd district as well as the South Street station before transferring here to the 7th District.
Throughout 2025, Officer Cowdery has consistently performed his duties in an exemplary manner, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, unwavering dependability, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. His appearance is consistently impeccable, reflecting the great pride he takes in his role as a police officer. His strong work ethic, coupled with exceptional attention to detail, has positioned him as a model officer within the squad. Officer Cowdery's diligent and purposeful approach to his responsibilities exemplifies the highest standard of police service.
Most notably, on December 31, 2025, at approximately 4:54 PM, Officer Cowdery responded to a person with a gun call at the ACME, 8200 Roosevelt Boulevard, involving an offender who had brandished a firearm on December 30, 2025. Upon arrival and briefing by store asset protection, Officer Cowdery learned the suspect was actively leaving the premises. Officer Cowdery immediately approached the male, and when the subject became verbally combative and made suspicious movements toward his vehicle and clothing, Officer Cowdery demonstrated sound tactical judgment by taking control of the situation. Through calm, measured commands and professional demeanor, Officer Cowdery secured the suspect's compliance, during which a loaded Taurus PT945 DN (caliber .45 with nine rounds—one chambered and eight in magazine) fell from the offender's overalls. Officer Cowdery's quick thinking, tactical acumen, and ability to de-escalate a volatile armed suspect situation resulted in a safe arrest and the recovery of a dangerous loaded firearm. His actions directly prevented potential loss of life and exemplified special initiative and perseverance in the performance of his duties.
Officer Cowdery's consistent reliability, superior judgment, and dedication to both his colleagues and the community throughout 2025 make him an ideal representative of the values expected of a Philadelphia Police Officer. His performance brings great credit upon himself, One Platoon, and the Philadelphia Police Department. For these reasons, Police Officer Steven Cowdery #4771 is strongly recommended for recognition as the 2025 Officer of the Year.
This will be the Fourth time Officer Cowdery has been nominated for officer of the year in the past 6 years. Unfortunately he has never won the award. I have been a supervisor in the Police Department for 14 years and would consider Officer Cowdery the model police officer. His work ethic, appearance and professionalism is unmatched.
