HERSHEY, DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – Pennsylvania State Police officers held a memorial ceremony Thursday honoring those that lost their lives in the line of duty.
Hundreds of troopers gathered with family, friends and community members at the State Police Academy in Hershey. The names of 98 fallen officers were read in rememberence.
“The pain of separation will never be fully alleviated, ” said acting commissioner Lt. Col. Robert Evanchick. “We recognize that these 98 men of honor left us a long lasting gift. The gift of hope. Hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for the future.”
Evanchick, addressing the crowd, noted the fallen officers leave behind an important message.
“The message that we bear the duty, and the responsibility to be faithful to their spirit, and honor their sacrifice by being worthy representatives of this department.”
A moment of silence and a rifle salute was also included in the ceremony. An online version of the Pennsylvania State Police memorial wall, including photos and biographies of each member who died in the line of duty, is available on their website.
Today marks the 114th anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Police. Since it’s establishment, it has grown to the 10th-largest police agency in the United States.
