Phoenixville swears in Corporal Michael Copel; officers receive bravery citations

Phoenixville Borough Council on Dec. 9 formally promoted patrol officer Michael Copel to the rank of corporal and presented bravery citations to members of the department for a late‑October arrest that officers described as high‑risk but controlled.

Mayor (unnamed) opened the recognition, saying in part, “First, we are celebrating, the promotion of a new corporal, and we are also celebrating the citation and bravery of some of our officers who have gone above and beyond.” The mayor named Chief Brian Marshall, Lt. Brian McIntyre and Lt. Pat Mark while thanking officers and their families for service to the borough.

According to remarks read aloud by department leaders, Copel — who joined Phoenixville Police Department in 2021 after service with the Pennsylvania State Capitol Police and another township department — served as a field training officer and instructor before the promotion. Council and police officials recounted that on Friday, Oct. 31, at about 3:56 a.m., Corporal Anthony Gray observed a wanted subject at a Wawa and initiated a foot pursuit that involved a perimeter, state police assistance and officers entering a creek to take the suspect into custody. Sergeant Kyle Place served as on‑scene commander. The account said the arrest concluded with no injuries to the suspect, officers or civilians.

Officer Copel was sworn in during the meeting. Council recessed briefly to permit photographs.

The recognition and promotion were approved as part of the meeting’s presentations; no formal vote was recorded beyond the swearing and ceremonial remarks.

Council said it would continue recruiting for open police officer positions and thanked department personnel for their work.