The funeral for Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Andy Chan drew a large crowd at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The service marked the end of a 24-year career that began in the mid-1990s and culminated in a dedicated tenure on the highway patrol.
A Life Cut Short in 2019
On January 3, 2019, Chan was riding his motorcycle on duty when a 79-year-old minivan struck him near Pennypack Park at Rhawn Street and Rowland Avenue in the Holmesburg neighborhood. The driver stayed at the scene and police believed the collision was accidental. Chan, then 48, was placed in critical condition that evening and underwent surgery. Despite wearing a helmet, he suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma for several months.
During his recovery, his family remained hopeful. “Our hearts broke everyday after the accident. We prayed everyday for recovery, for him to be restored. But, with his unbreakable spirit, he stayed with us and we fought along side him. We fought,” Teng Chan, his wife, said. “But, then it was time. He has a higher calling. For now, Andy needs to catch up with his fellow angels that cross over.”
A Career Rooted in Community
Chan’s passion for policing began in childhood. After meeting officers who came into his parents’ restaurant in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, he said he wanted to become a police officer. “It’s the best thing. You’re out there in the community. You’re out there with the people every day,” he told Talk Radio 1210 AM in a 2017 interview.
He eventually attended the Philadelphia Police Academy, started in the 39th District, and after nine years transferred to the highway patrol. “His dream had come true,” Teng recalled. The family also highlighted his early years in Ocean City, New Jersey, before returning to Philadelphia.
A childhood friend of Chan’s told NBC10’s Johnny Archer that he “meant a lot to the city’s Chinatown community.”
The Funeral Service
The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 5 announced Chan’s death on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. An FOP spokesperson wrote: “His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. We ask that you hold his wife, children, loved ones, friends, and his Brothers and Sisters in the Police Department in your prayers during this difficult time. Andy died a hero and we will always remember and honor his sacrifice.”
The FOP released viewing details on Monday, December 15, and the funeral on Tuesday, December 16. Road closures were in effect for the viewing and funeral, and Akin’s Oval may be closed or detoured by Philadelphia police if necessary.
During the service, city officials spoke to Chan’s family, friends, and loved ones. Mayor Cherelle Parker, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, and other leaders shared memories and described the impact of his service.
“ We are here to celebrate Andy and honor a man whose presence was larger than life,” said Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “A man whose spirit filled every room he entered. A man whose smile, whose energy and his passion could lift even the heaviest day. We gather today for Andy Chan because he was special.”
Teng Chan addressed the gathering, recalling the early days when she wondered if Andy might become a priest. She joked, “Can you see Andy as a priest?” before explaining how he became determined to become a police officer, specifically a highway police officer.
Honors and Legacy
On the same day as the funeral, Commissioner Bethel announced that the Medal of Excellence would be renamed in Chan’s honor: the Andy Chan Medal of Excellence. Bethel tweeted: “Today, we honored the life and legacy of P/O Andy Chan. A Highway legend, a devoted husband, father, son, public servant, and a man who embodied excellence. From this day forward, the Medal of Excellence will be known as the Andy Chan Medal of Excellence. His legacy lives on!” (pic.twitter.com/iuLNoutCZj)
The renaming reflects Chan’s dedication and the respect he earned from colleagues across the department.
Congressional Tribute
U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle, a Democrat representing Northeast Philadelphia, posted a statement on X. He wrote: “Officer Andy Chan’s passing is heartbreaking news for Philadelphia. We owe an enduring debt to the first responders – and the families – who risk everything to keep our communities safe. My prayers are with his wife, his children, and all who loved him.” (https://t.co/aPvUdP7Wyr)
Family and Community Remember
Chan is survived by his wife, Teng, and three children. The funeral service brought together a wide cross-section of the city, from Chinatown residents to highway patrol colleagues, all united by the memory of a man who served with honor.
The community’s tribute, the renaming of a prestigious award, and the heartfelt statements from city officials and family members underscore the profound impact Officer Andy Chan had on Philadelphia and its people.
Key Takeaways
- Officer Andy Chan served 24 years with the Philadelphia Highway Patrol, beginning in the mid-1990s.
- He was injured in a 2019 motorcycle collision that left him in a coma; he passed away on December 2, 2025.
- The Police Medal of Excellence has been renamed the Andy Chan Medal of Excellence in his honor.
The funeral and memorial service celebrated Chan’s life, his dedication to public service, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
