Credit: Horsham Police Department.
On Sept. 1, 2021, Montgomery County was struck by a powerful EF-2 tornado as the remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through the region. The tornado touched down near Fort Washington and traveled for over nine miles, causing significant damage in Horsham and surrounding areas.
With wind speeds reaching 130 mph, it uprooted trees, tore roofs off homes, and caused severe structural damage to buildings. Thousands of residents were left without power, and emergency responders worked tirelessly to clear debris and assist those affected. The storm system also brought historic flooding to the region, with torrential rainfall overflowing rivers and roadways.
Local responders jumped into action without hesitation, and because of those efforts, Officer Daniel Gorham and Officer Nicholas Tschepikiewski were honored by the Horsham Police Department in February 2025 with commendations for heroism.
"On the evening of September 1st, Officers Nicholas Tschepikiewski and Daniel Gorham were partnered up in the same patrol vehicle," the police department wrote. "Just before 8pm they responded to a 911 call on Cottage Avenue. A caller had reported her wheelchair bound neighbor was trapped in his home, physically incapable of evacuating themselves. When the officers had arrived, the floodwaters were halfway up the resident’s wheelchair and rising.
"Officers Tschepikiewski and Gorham responded and entered the flooded home and were able to move the resident to the second floor of his residence to await water rescue by the Fire Department," it added. "Immediately after those same two officers responded to a call involving two older adult residents of Leary Trailer Park who were also trapped in their home and in danger. Officers Tschepikiewski & Gorham responded and waded through belt high water to reach the couple, evacuating them from their home and bringing them to a safer area."
