Bucks Co. Sheriff Fred Harran demands apology from Commissioner Harvie for offensive statements
DOYLESTOWN, PA (May 9, 2025) – Today, Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran released a statement regarding Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie’s inexcusable remarks during the Bucks County Commissioners Meeting held May 7. As reported, Harvie used his closing statement of the meeting to directly connect the law enforcement work of the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Harran – the only Jewish sheriff in Pennsylvania – to Nazism and pre-war Germany under Adolf Hitler.
Commissioner Harvie likes history. So, here’s mine: I grew up in a Jewish home, studied at a Hebrew school, and attended synagogue (and still do). I bore the grief of members of my mother’s family who were murdered by the Nazis. I heard the stories of my father – a doctor in Patton’s Third Army – who liberated concentration camps and cared for fellow Jews dehumanized and destroyed by the cruelty of an evil and authoritarian regime.
That’s why it is unconscionable to me that in a time of deep political divisions, anti-law enforcement sentiment, and rampant antisemitism in our nation and our world, Commissioner Harvie would use his position to intentionally and directly compare our community to Nazi Germany. As the only Jewish sheriff in Pennsylvania, I find it notable that these sentiments – and many like them – are directed toward me and my role in public safety.
I agree with the dozens of Jewish leaders and constituents who have reached out over the last few days, Commissioner Harvie’s remarks both personally offensive and derogatory to the Jewish community – both here in Bucks County and around the nation. Just as bad, his twisted version of history equates my deputies’ efforts to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe from known criminals to Nazi-era atrocities. His statements simultaneously demean law enforcement officers and minimize the very real, and very personal, horrors of the period he fancies himself an expert on.
We should all acknowledge that these statements are repugnant and unbefitting an elected leader. He should apologize.
Commissioner Harvie might like reading about World War II history. My family lived it.
About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff’s sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit bit.ly/BucksSheriff
