The Hall of Honor is where the Police Heritage Museum will recognize individuals whose lives were integral to the success of the museum.
Hall of Honor
John A. McDonald
John Alexander McDonald was born on July 13, 1948 in York, Pennsylvania.
John was a dedicated servant to his country, to his community, and to all those who knew him. After enlisting in the United States Army in 1968, he served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam. During his two tours of service in Vietnam, John was twice awarded the Bronze Star, in addition to receiving the Army Commendation medal with "V" device for valor.
Following his service in Vietnam, John was hired as a York City Police Officer, in which capacity he served for 14 years from 1971-1984. John was awarded the York City Police Department's Medal of Valor in connection with an event that took place on October 16, 1975.
In 1984, John reenlisted as a full-time active duty member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in the 104th Armor, which later became the 131st Transportation Company out of York, Pa. While serving with the 131st Transportation Company, John and his unit were deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm from November 1990 until June 1991. This made John a veteran of two foreign wars. John continued to serve in the National Guard when the unit became Company C 103rd Combat Engineers and then Company C 337th Combat Engineers. With over 33 years of service, John retired from the 3rd Cav Stryker Company as a First Sergeant in 2003.
John's service continued in his community of Seven Valleys, where he spent many years as the Borough Council President. John was also a volunteer firefighter for the Community Fire Company of Seven Valleys, holding numerous positions, including board president.
John was instrumental in establishing the Police Heritage Museum from its original conception, and hosted the first organizational meeting at his home. John served as the museum's first president from 1995 to 2000, and again served as president from 2004 to 2018.
John passed away at his home in Seven Valleys on October 25, 2019, at the age of 71.
Newton D. Brown
Newton D. "Newt" Brown was born July 31, 1935, in York.
Newt was a police officer, retiring as a Captain after serving 24 years with the York City Police Department. Newt was also the former owner/operator of the Market Place, was a Housing Rehabilitation Specialist with York City, a realtor with Coldwell Baker Bob Yost and Remax Family Tree, a former York City Councilman, a former York County Commissioner, a real estate appraiser, and was the Parking Bureau Manager for the City of York.
Newt was a member of the White Rose Lodge #15 F.O.P., the York-Adams County Board of Realtors, lifetime member of numerous social clubs in the York area, board member of the Police Heritage Museum, and a professional baseball player in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system.
Newt D. Brown passed away at his home on August 17, 2011, at the age of 76.
Mildred G. Hunt Becker
Mildred "Millie" Gladys Hunt Becker was born on September 2, 1927 in Lower Windsor Township.
Millie was a 1945 graduate of Codorus Twp. High School, Glenville, PA. A 1947 graduate of Thompson Business College and took various advanced courses at Penn State and Wilson College. She was secretary for the late William M Nickey, Sixth Ward Alderman of the City of York for 18 years until his death, she was then appointed Sixth Ward Alderman in February 1965 by Governor William Scranton. She was Police Court Magistrate under the late Mayor John Snyder of City of York. In January, 1970, she was elected as District Justice District 19-1-01 in York City and served until her retirement in January 1988.
Millie was a former member of the Quota Club of York for 30 years where she served as secretary and treasurer, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star York Chapter #169 for more than 25 years. An associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police, White Rose Lodge #15, and former member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Millie was an ardent supporter and champion of the Police Heritage Museum from its founding.
Millie passed away at York Hospital on January 9, 2022, at the age of 94.
