George Sydnor – Radnor Township’s First Black Detective

The first African American to join Radnor Township’s police department, George Frederick Sydnor was a well-respected community member. He retired from the department in 1985 as a detective, according to his obituary.

As a collegiate athlete, Sydnor won championships in the mile relay at the Penn Relays. He also ran for the Wildcats’ 1957 NCAA track & field team that was regarded as one of the best in college history.

Early Life and Education

Throughout their lives, children are exposed to a variety of experiences. These experiences help to shape their mental, physical and emotional development. It is important for parents and educators to understand the psychosocial development of a child, and how it plays a role in their education.

A leading theory in early childhood education is Erikson’s psychosocial theory. This theory states that all children have different stages of psychosocial development, and they should be provided with the appropriate support during each stage for them to be successful.

Sydnor has always put his family first, especially his wife and his disabled daughter. He is a very dedicated father who loved his children and took pride in their accomplishments.

Professional Career

As a world-class sprinter, Sydnor was part of Villanova’s 1957 track & field team that won the NCAA outdoor championship and is now regarded as one of the greatest teams in college history.

He also served as Radnor Township’s first African-American police officer in 1964 and was a detective for eight of his 15 years on the force. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and the FBI National Academy.

After his service in the police department he worked as a private security supervisor at Wyeth Laboratories and West Chester University. He was also named to Radnor’s civil service commission and remained a well-recognized local figure. He also enjoyed a retirement as a crossing guard on the corner of Garrett Hill.

Achievements and Honors

Sydnor’s achievements and honors include being a member of five sports halls of fame. He is also a long time civic leader, including being Radnor Township’s first Black police officer.

He was a longtime member of Bethel AME Church, Bryn Mawr where he served as Trustee and Usher until his health failed. He served on the Police Community Awareness Committee and was a Radnor Township Civil Service Commission member.

He was a two time world record holder in the 60 yard dash, setting his mark twice in February and March of 1956. He also ran for Villanova’s track and field team as a sophomore. He was part of the Wildcats’ 1955 championship mile relay team. He ran along with Walter Budney, Rowland Simpson and future Olympic gold medalist Ron Delany.

Personal Life

During his long career, Sydnor had many great accomplishments. He was a two-time world record holder in the 60 yard dash and a longtime local civic leader. He also served as a Radnor Township police officer for 15 years, rising to the rank of detective.

He was a member of Radnor’s civil service commission and a popular Garrett Hill crossing guard. He also worked as a private security supervisor at Wyeth Laboratories and West Chester University.

He was a devoted family man and father to his sons, Willie (the Pittsburgh Steelers), Chris and Chad. He has also been a foster parent to numerous children and grandchildren.

Net Worth

George Sydnor was a record-holding track champion in high school and college, Radnor Township civil service commissioner, and detective and first Black officer on the Radnor police force. Self-disciplined and driven, he was a graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and FBI National Academy. He later worked as a private security supervisor at Wyeth Laboratories and West Chester University.

He also served as a trustee on the McGraw 401(k) Retirement Plan from 1996 to 1997. Plaintiffs, who are former employees and participants in the 401(k) Plan, allege various breaches of fiduciary duties, including dissipation of plan assets to the detriment of the Plan participants. In the course of their lawsuit, plaintiffs have produced underlying calculations and evaluation methods that demonstrate that Sydnor’s actions were motivated by two basic considerations: (1) to obtain additional capital to continue the operation of the Company; and (2) to sell his interest in the Company to Fisketjon.