Collegeville’s Newest Officer, John “Teddy” Falnes, Brings a Wealth of Diverse Experience to Our Police Department
Although one of our younger officers, Officer John “Teddy” Falnes brings to Collegeville an impressive background that includes 16 years of Coast Guard maritime law enforcement experience and seven years of police experience in the challenging 14th District of Northwest Philadelphia.
Officer Falnes joined the Collegeville Police Department (CPD) in October 2024. He grew up in the suburbs of Tabernacle, South Jersey, and graduated from Seneca High School. At age 18, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, serving in Cape May, New Jersey, where he helped protect waterways, enforce maritime law, and conduct search and rescue operations.
His love of the sea may have been inspired by his grandfather, his Far Far (“father’s father” in Norwegian) who was born in Skudeneshavn, Norway, and spent his career in the Merchant Marines. While traveling the world, the elder John Falnes met his future wife in Shanghai, where she made the bold decision to move with him to Norway before the couple eventually settled in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
In the Coast Guard, Officer Falnes achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class (E-6) and has devoted much of his service to search and rescue operations. He continues to serve actively in the Coast Guard Reserves, still based in Cape May.
After his military service, Officer Falnes earned his degree from Stockton University and went on to attend the Philadelphia Police Academy, graduating in 2018. He then joined the Philadelphia Police Department, serving seven years in one of the city’s busiest and most complex districts.
Career Highlights in Philadelphia
During his time in Philadelphia, three experiences stand out for Officer Falnes:
- Valor Award for Extraordinary Bravery – Officer Falnes received the Valor Award from the Citizens Crime Commission for an act of exceptional courage. While responding to a radio call for someone breaking in, Officer Falnes was standing on the porch with a young child trying to figure out what happened. Suddenly, three masked men opened fire behind him and his partner. In the ensuing chaos and darkness, one Officer spotted the suspects running to the porch where they were standing. Officer Falnes was told to get down. That’s when the officer exchanged gunfire and managed to disarm the assailants. After securing the scene, Officer Falnes applied a tourniquet to one of the suspect’s legs, saving his life. Both shooters survived and were brought to justice.
- A Fortunate Reunion – During his interview with Collegeville Police, Officer Falnes was pleasantly surprised to reunite with Officer Sean Hart, a former colleague from Philadelphia’s 14th District who had joined CPD just three months earlier.
- Love on the Force – While serving in Philadelphia, Officer Falnes met his fiancée, a fellow police officer now serving in West Philadelphia. Together, they share a beautiful baby girl. His fiancée, who hails from Puerto Rico, adds to the rich cultural blend of their family.
In addition to his patrol duties in Philadelphia, Officer Falnes served on the Major Incident Response Team (MIRT), a specialized unit trained to handle large-scale emergencies, including hazardous materials incidents. After years of grueling seven-day workweeks and the arrival of his daughter, he sought a position offering a better work-life balance and stronger community connection. With outstanding qualification scores, he was thrilled to be offered a position with Collegeville PD.
What It’s Like Policing in Collegeville
“Although it may seem like nothing ever happens in Collegeville, that’s far from the truth,” explains Officer Falnes. “We regularly encounter individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges and work to connect them with the help they need. We also assist neighboring departments with criminal activity in the surrounding area.”
In December 2024, Officer Falnes played a key role in apprehending two suspects involved in a multi-county armed robbery spree. After an off-duty officer from Lower Merion Police interrupted a robbery at Kohl’s in Limerick, the suspects fled on foot. Responding to the call for backup, Officer Falnes joined officers from Limerick, Upper Providence, and Royersford in the search. Spotting one suspect, he chased and helped subdue the man after another officer deployed a taser. For their teamwork and bravery, the involved officers were honored by Limerick Police on October 21.
Why He Loves Serving in Collegeville
“I really enjoy the small-town atmosphere of Collegeville,” says Officer Falnes. “In a big city, it’s hard to get close to the community. Here, people know each other. It feels like home just like where I grew up. I believe everyone has a story, and I’d love to learn each one.”
He adds with a smile, “In Philadelphia, most of the time people were afraid of the police or didn’t want to interact with us. On one of my first days in Collegeville, someone waved and it took me a second to realize they were waving at me! Residents here are so positive and welcoming. I’ve been thanked more in one day here than during my entire career before this. I can’t imagine a better place to serve.”
