More than 1,000 guests including police officers, firefighters and first responders gathered outside the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sept. 19 for the 71st Hero Thrill Show, an annual Philadelphia tradition celebrating the skill and bravery of the city’s police officers and firefighters while raising money for a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the event provide full college tuition assistance to children of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
The Hero Thrill Show featured demonstrations by the Police Highway Patrol Drill Team and K-9 Unit and Police and Fire Color Guard, along with interactive stations and emergency vehicles for children to explore.
Among the notable guests were Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Fire Commissioner Jeffery Thompson, the Phillie Phanatic and Hero Thrill Show President and CEO Jimmy Binns. A well-known humanitarian, Binns is a certified motorcycle drill instructor and has served as Deputy Chief of the Darby Township Police Department in Delaware County.
Spectators were in for a special treat when Officer Kristin Gondek made history as the first female motorcyclist to ride with the Highway Patrol Drill Team since its inception.
Gondek earned her place on the elite team during tryouts just one month before this year’s Hero Thrill Show.
“I knew I always wanted to be a police officer,” Gondek said. “Then you want to be a member of Highway Patrol and then the Highway Patrol Drill Team. I knew I had to try.”
The tryouts presented a particular challenge for Gondek, whose smaller frame made maneuvering the stationary motorcycles more difficult. Still, she persevered and earned her spot on the team.
Making the team was an accomplishment she was able to celebrate publicly just weeks later as children, families and colleagues watched her perform.
For young girls who may want to challenge themselves in traditionally male-dominated fields, Gondek offered a simple message: “I would tell them that you can do it!”
The Police K-9 Unit also drew plenty of attention. More than 20 members showcased the extensive training law enforcement K-9s undergo to perform their jobs. Demonstrations included explosive searches, narcotics searches, cadaver searches and exercises in which K-9s pursued police officers acting as “criminals.” Officers safely fired non-lethal cap guns for a realistic training demonstration.
After successfully completing each exercise, the dogs were rewarded with something they clearly enjoyed: playtime with their handlers.
But the Hero Thrill Show is about more than entertainment and fundraising. It also provides Philadelphia’s police and fire departments with an opportunity to connect with the public and potentially inspire the next generation of recruits.
“Part of the event is recruitment. You hope young kids are sitting there saying, ‘Oh, I’d like to be a part of that,’ ” Bethel said. “You want them to walk away with a positive feeling about policing and see that we’re human.”
Bethel has attended the Hero Thrill Show since he was a child. He said he was excited to see officers and firefighters showcase their skills while giving the public an opportunity to experience another side of their professions.
Children at this year’s event could explore a 27-foot police emergency-response SAFE boat, firetrucks, a police helicopter and a SWAT vehicle. Officers and firefighters were also on hand to answer questions about their jobs, training and equipment.
The family-friendly atmosphere extended to the food. Guests enjoyed free food and drinks courtesy of Wawa and the Rapid Relief Team of Philadelphia, while a long line formed throughout the day at John’s Water Ice.
Still, the event’s main attraction remained the Highway Patrol Drill Team.
The elite team dazzled the crowd with precision group formations, intricate motorcycle maneuvers and daring stunts requiring tremendous skill, balance and physical strength.
For Gondek, the performance marked the beginning of a new chapter, not only as a member of one of Philadelphia’s most elite police units, but as the first woman to join its performance motorcycle ranks.
Throughout her historic public performance, Gondek could not stop smiling. ••
