Congratulations to Senior Patrolman Robert Brake, who has been named the 2026 Officer of the Year for the Nether Providence Township Police Department.

Chief David Splain, along with special guest Colleen White, presented Officer Brake with a commemorative plaque during the monthly Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday night. The award is named in honor of her late father, Detective Sgt. Raymond L. White, who suffered a heart attack while processing a homicide scene and passed away days later, on April 10, 1983.

“Tonight, we gather to recognize an officer whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the Nether Providence Township Police Department have earned him the respect and admiration of both his peers and the community,” Chief Splain said. “The Officer of the Year Award is especially meaningful because it is chosen by fellow officers, the men and women who work alongside the recipient every day.”

Splain also highlighted that the award is deeply rooted in the department’s history, noting that Det. Sgt. White’s dedication and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of officers who wear the badge.

Officer Brake, a 2013 graduate of the Delaware County Municipal Police Academy, joined NPPD as a part-time officer on February 28, 2019, before being promoted to full-time status on January 18, 2021. He previously served as a part-time officer in Glenolden.

Currently, he serves as a proud member of Squad 4, working alongside Sgt. Michael Montgomery and Officer Andrew Yates.

“During his time with the department, Officer Brake has consistently demonstrated professionalism, dependability, and leadership both on and off duty. He is the type of officer who can always be counted on—whether answering difficult calls, mentoring younger officers, assisting supervisors, or handling the everyday responsibilities that help keep our department running at a high level,” Chief Splain said. “Policing is not an easy profession. It requires sacrifice, patience, compassion, and the ability to perform under pressure. Officer Brake exemplifies these qualities every day.”

Officer Brake was joined in the meeting room by members of his family and his fellow NPPD officers.



Additionally, for their outstanding professionalism, dedication to public safety, and exceptional performance during an investigation involving a missing and endangered elderly woman earlier this year, Detectives James Irey and Steve Kilian, along with Officers Michael Coverdale and William Sweeney, have been awarded the Exceptional Duty commendation.

Chief David Splain presented certificates to the four officers during the monthly Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday night.

According to the citation, their combined actions on February 8, 2026, "demonstrated exceptional teamwork, initiative, investigative skill, and commitment to duty."

Splain noted that the four officers responded to a report of a vulnerable missing person during hazardous winter conditions.

“Through coordinated investigative efforts, extensive follow-up, witness interviews, surveillance review, interagency collaboration, use of technological resources, and diligent persistence, the officers successfully located the woman and ensured a safe resolution to a potentially life-threatening incident,” the citation reads.