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A troubling lawsuit has emerged from Philadelphia, alleging that three police officers developed terminal brain cancer due to exposure to hazardous chemicals at their former workplace. The families of the officers—Joe Cooney, Michael Deal, and Andrew Schafer—are holding accountable several developers and public agencies for the dangers posed by the Frankford Arsenal, a decommissioned military site converted into the Philadelphia Police Department’s Narcotics Unit headquarters.
Allegations of Negligence
The families filed their civil complaint last December, asserting that the Frankford Arsenal was inadequately cleared of known carcinogens prior to its repurposing. This facility, operational since before the American Civil War and closed in 1977, has a long history of producing munitions and military equipment. Attorney Bill Davis, representing the families, highlighted multiple studies revealing ongoing contamination at the site. He stated that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had repeatedly identified toxic materials during inspections after the arsenal was decommissioned, yet no substantial remediation efforts were made.
“Not enough was done at the site to ensure the safety of those working there, such as these narcotics officers,” Davis remarked in an interview.
The Officers and Their Battles
All three officers had dedicated careers with the Philadelphia Police Department and were stationed at the former military facility for significant portions of their service. Andrew Schafer, who spent 13 years at the arsenal, succumbed to brain cancer in 2023 at the age of 51. Michael Deal, who joined the force in 1980, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2018 and passed away a year later at 64. Joe Cooney, who began his police career in 1995, was diagnosed in 2024 and tragically died just last month at the age of 54.
The lawsuit raises concerns about the unusually high incidence of glioblastoma among these officers—a form of brain cancer known for its aggressiveness. Davis pointed out that the cases among the officers significantly exceed what would typically be expected in the general population, further underscoring the potential link to their workplace.
Personal Accounts of Struggle
Diana Schafer, a nurse and widow of Andrew Schafer, recounted the early signs of her husband’s illness. She described how he would experience focal seizures, often brushing them off as minor inconveniences. “He was just a stubborn cop and just went on. I said, ‘You need to go to the ER,’” she recalled. A visit to the emergency room ultimately confirmed the dire diagnosis.
The families are now seeking justice not just for their loss but also to raise awareness about the potential hazards faced by those who serve in law enforcement and the responsibility of authorities to ensure their safety.
Continuing Fallout
The Philadelphia Police Department, alongside the City of Philadelphia Law Department and developers involved, has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. As investigations proceed, the implications of this case could resonate beyond the individuals involved, prompting a critical examination of safety protocols at facilities repurposed from military use.
Why it Matters
This case highlights the ongoing risks that first responders may face from exposure to toxic environments, raising essential questions about workplace safety and accountability. The legacy of hazardous materials in former military sites underscores the need for rigorous remediation processes, particularly when these sites are repurposed for public service. As the families of these officers seek justice, their fight may also serve as a catalyst for broader legislative reform to protect those who put their lives on the line for their communities.