Also while serving the department, he and Staff Inspector Edward M. Payne, a close friend, organized a police newsletter that was published monthly, a law enforcement official said.
After his 1977 retirement, Mr. Kerrin worked for several years as secretary to the chief of police at the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
Foremost in his life, though, was his family, said a daughter, Diane Burton.
"He was a very dedicated husband and father, and that was most important to him," she said. "He was a very warm, loving individual. He became a friend to everybody.
"And he could always make you laugh. He could always make a joke."
Reared in North Philadelphia, Mr. Kerrin attended Central High School. He served in the Army from February 1943 to January 1946 and was discharged honorably as a staff sergeant. He earned several medals during his wartime service, including the Bronze Star Medal.
He graduated from the Police Academy in 1951.
In free hours, Mr. Kerrin enjoyed woodworking, and he had built wall units and bookcases in his basement workshop.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Eleanor Ramie Kerrin; sons, Anthony S. and Stephen A.; daughters Susan Anderson and Diane Burton; 10 grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters.
There will be a viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Chew Funeral Home, 2125 Christian St., where services will follow at 1 p.m. Interment is at Chelten Hills Cemetery, Washington Lane, Mount Airy.
