Funeral service honors Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Andy Chan
The funeral services for fallen Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Andy Chan took place at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Tuesday.
Road closures were in effect for the viewing and funeral of Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Chan, who died earlier this month after he was struck by a vehicle six years ago.
A childhood friend of Chan’s told NBC10’s Johnny Archer that he meant a lot to the the city’s Chinatown community.
And, for 24 years, Chan served Philadelphia as a police officer while never forgetting where he came from.
The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 announced Chan had passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.
“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,” an FOP spokesperson wrote. “Andy died a hero and we will always remember and honor his sacrifice.”
The FOP later released information on Chan’s viewing on Monday, Dec. 15, and the funeral on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
akins Oval may be closed or detoured by Philadelphia police if necessary.
Remembering Officer Andy Chan
During Tuesday’s service, a number of city officials — including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker — spoke to the gathering of Chan’s family, friends and loved ones to share memories of the fallen officer and detail what he meant to the community he served.
“We are here to celebrate Andy and honor a man whose presence was larger than life,” said Philadelphia Police 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.”
Also during the morning, Andy’s wife, Teng Chan, addressed those gathered for the service to remember her husband and how much it meant for him to be a member of the city’s police force.
“Andy lived his life with a deep and unwavering sense of purpose. From the time he was a child, he felt the call to serve and help others. At first he thought, maybe he’ll be a priest. Can you see Andy as a priest?” joked an emotional Teng Chan.
She said that, later, he became determined to become a police officer — specifically a highway police officer.
After spending time as an officer in Ocean City, New Jersey, he eventually attended the Philadelphia Police Academy and started in the city’s 39th District.
After nine years, she said, he transferred into highway patrol.
“His dream had come true,” she said.
She then recalled the tragic crash in which Chan suffered a brain injury.
“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,” recalled Teng. “But, then it was time. He has a higher calling. For now, Andy needs to catch up with his fellow angels that cross over.”
Officer Andy Chan
Then, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel announced that the Medal of Excellence has been renamed in honor of Chan: The Andy Chan Medal of Excellence.
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— Kevin J. Bethel (@PPDCommish) December 16, 2025
The death of Officer Andy Chan
On Jan. 3, 2019, Chan was on duty and riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a minivan near Pennypack Park at Rhawn Street and Rowland Avenue in Philadelphia’s Holmesburg neighborhood. The driver of the van, a 79-year-old man, remained at the scene and police believed it was accidental.
Chan was placed in critical condition that evening and underwent surgery. He was 48-years-old at the time of the crash.
While Chan was wearing his helmet, he still suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma for several months.
Chan – who joined the force in the mid-1990s – was a popular figure in the Philadelphia police department and his injury drew a large response from his fellow officers and law enforcement leaders.
After he woke from his coma, his family was confident that he would make a full recovery. Over the years, several fundraising events were held to help cover medical expenses for Chan’s family, including annual holiday block parties.
Chan, in a radio interview from 2017, said he wanted to become a police officer ever since he was a little boy, after meeting cops who came into his parents’ restaurant in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood.
“It’s the best thing. You’re out there in the community. You’re out there with the people every day,” Chan said in an interview posted on Talk Radio 1210AM’s Facebook page. “It’s just happy when you’re helping strangers out. And they look at you with a smile. And that’s the best thing about being a police officer.”
Congressman Brendan Boyle – a Democrat who represents Northeast Philadelphia and parts of North Philadelphia and Center City – posted a statement on Officer Chan’s death on the social media platform X.
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— Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) December 2, 2025
Officer Chan is survived by a wife and three children.
