Stanley L. McDowell
(A biographical sketch from a Chester Times or Delaware County Daily Times newspaper clipping, "Know Your Police" from the collection of John C. "Snakes" Boyle, contributed by his granddaughters, Jane Boyle & Patty Boyle.)
Patrolman Stanley L. McDowell can tell of one of the most unusual wounds ever received by a soldier. It dates back to World War I while he was serving in France with the 28th Division.
McDowell was wounded by a tracer bullet from an overhead plane. The tracer bullet entered his foot through the heel and then set fire to his shoe. Another bullet wound from World War I he still carries in his leg as a souvenir. It was never removed and he says it still aches in bad weather.
McDowell has been a city policeman since April 12, 1920, just eight days short of having the longest record of service among today's police. He is led only by Capt. Joseph Denmark, who was appointed April 4, 1920.
McDowell, who served 3 1/2 years in the Army, also saw service with the 6th Pennsylvania Division on the Mexican border.
Born in Harrisburg, he came to Chester with his parents in 1897 and attended both public and parochial schools here.
He married the former Katherine Nieman 35 years ago and they have four children.
The children are William, 33, Mrs. Frances Hook, 28, Marie, 26, and Stanley Jr., 24, who works for a New York tanker concern. The McDowells live at 3029 W. 3rd st.
Fishing and other sports occupy his spare time.
[Obituary]
