Former Chester County District Attorney Joe Carroll with DA candidate Deb Ryan.
WEST CHESTER – Last Thursday, Deb Ryan officially announced that she will seek a historic election for Chester County District Attorney. When elected in November, Ryan will be the first woman and the first Democrat to hold this office. A seasoned prosecutor with 15 years of experience, and a former Deputy District Attorney of Chester County, Ryan is currently the County Coordinator for the Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative at the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc.
Molly Wood, Ryan’s campaign manager, pointed to the enthusiastic crowd of over 200. “It is wonderful to see this level of support for Deb Ryan and change in Chester County,” noted Wood. “We look forward to embracing these volunteers and supporters, and many more, as we move toward the May 21st primary and November 5th general election. It is their incredible faith in Deb’s fortitude, experience, and fairness that will make history for Deb Ryan as the next Chester County District Attorney.”
As a prosecutor for the Philadelphia and Chester County District Attorney’s Offices, Ryan has handled thousands of criminal cases, including homicides, child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, high level drug trafficking, and gun cases—effectively every type of criminal offense. In 2014, Ryan received the Prosecutor of the Year Award for her hard work and dedication to the victims and survivors who she championed in the courtroom. She has been widely lauded for her highly effective teamwork and collaborative efforts with law enforcement— proving she is smart on crime and will ensure justice for all.
Ryan was introduced by special guests. State Representative Carolyn Comitta kicked-off the night. Comitta stated, “She’s thinking about the whole person, the whole community, and a healthy future—especially for our kids. Deb, I am honored and delighted to know you and I’m thrilled that you are running for DA. You are the right person at the right time for Chester County.”
The crowd was riveted by the words of a former victim who Deb Ryan helped receive justice, Hawa Koroma. Through tears, Koroma shared her story of working with Ryan explaining that Ryan always puts victims first. Koroma noted, “She saved my life. She assured me that everything would be okay and that I was not alone. For this reason, I believe she will represent and empower her citizens.”
Ryan was also highly praised by former Chester County District Attorney, Joe Carroll. He said, “She became an assistant DA not because it was going to be her job, but because it was going to be her passion. She did it because she realized that if she became an assistant DA, she would have the opportunity to make our world a little bit better. And that’s why I want Deb Ryan to be the person protecting me and my family.”
Deb Ryan inspired and rallied the crowd with her words. “I was taught at a very young age the critical importance of advocacy and speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. I learned that from my grandparents, who were both Holocaust survivors. So from the time I was old enough to understand, I knew that it was my responsibility to advocate for the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the marginalized.” She concluded, “We need to do more to protect our citizens here in Chester County. And as your district attorney, what I vow to you, first and foremost, is that victims will always come first. Always.”
To learn more about Deb Ryan for District Attorney, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/DebRyan4DA and on Twitter @DebRyan3DA. You may also visit www.DebRyan4DA.com
