The region continues to mourn the loss of fallen State Trooper Landon Weaver and community members where Weaver grew up are remembering his life.
Matt and Jen May, owners of Dragon’s Den Pizza in Roaring Spring are longtime family friend’s of the Weavers.
“When we got the news, my wife and I just broke down and embraced each other,” Matt said. “And just thinking of the family.”
The Mays sent over a food platter after hearing what happened, a small gesture to help the family in any way they could.
Matt’s father passed away and he remembered what little acts of kindness meant to him at the time.
“Just knowing what they’re going through, the less headaches they have to go through,” Matt said. “Like I said, it’s out of love more than anything because they’re as much family to us as good friends are.”
Matt, who’s now 43-years old, grew up with Trooper Weaver’s aunt and uncle, all attending Central High School together and Matt remembers Weaver growing up as mature, kind and outgoing.
“He was always very mild-mannered, very polite, very willing to do whatever for anyone,” Matt said. “We always said, wow, he’ll really be something when he gets to be where he’s at.”
Matt said everyone was proud of Weaver when he followed his dream of becoming a police officer, and then a state trooper.
“He just always talked of going to school for criminology and fulfilling his dream, which he did and everyone was just so proud of him when he accomplished that,” Matt said.”It’s just tragic.”
While the family and community mourns, Matt says time is the best way to begin to heal.
“It’s a tragic loss for his family. It’s a tragic loss for his friends. It’s a tragic loss for the state of Pennsylvania,” Matt said. “All we can do now is pray for comfort for all the officers and the family to get through this the best they can.”