Pennsylvania State Police to Honor 93 Fallen Troopers in Hershey

May 2 Event Will Pay Tribute to Two Members Killed During Past 11 Months

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania State Police will remember 93 of their members who were killed in the line of duty during a memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 2, at the State Police Academy, 175 East Hersheypark Drive, in Hershey, Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski announced today.

The event is open to the public.

"This annual ceremony reminds us that any of our members may be called upon at any time to lay down his or her life rather than swerve from the path of duty," Pawlowski said.

He said special tribute will be paid to two troopers slain in the line of duty since last year's memorial service. They are Tpr. Joshua Miller, who was shot and killed June 7, 2009, while rescuing a kidnapped child in Monroe County, and Tpr. Paul G. Richey, who died from a gunshot wound suffered while responding to a domestic incident in Venango County on Jan. 13.

"We owe it to these men and their families to remember forever their bravery and devotion to duty," Pawlowski said.

He said the program also will mark the 105^th anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Police, which was created on May 2, 1905, by legislation signed by Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker. It will also mark the 50^th anniversary of the first cadet class to receive training at the current academy. Members of that class, which graduated on June 29, 1960, will be special guests at the event, Pawlowski said.

In addition, an open house will be held at the Pennsylvania State Police Historical, Educational and Memorial Center on the academy grounds following the memorial service.

For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556.

Media contact: Lt. Myra A. Taylor or Jack J. Lewis, 717-783-5556

SOURCE Pennsylvania State Police Department