The Friday, May 9th announcement by the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors that the annual July 4th Parade would not take place due to concerns about securing the route, there was a firestorm on social media criticizing the decision (more on that soon).

On May 10th, Whitemarsh Township Chief of Police Christopher Ward released a statement in support of the decision. In the statement, he shared that he participated in the parade as a child and for the past 35 years as a police officer.

Chief Ward then referred to a changing world and recent acts of violence against public events such as parades. He cited an investigation into the cost of securing the parade, noting that it was something Whitemarsh Township could not afford or accept liability for.

In addition to the statement by Chief Ward, there is also now a “Save the Whitemarsh Township 4th of July Parade” petition.

Below is the full statement from Chief Ward.