‘We always have to remember the past’: Pa. State Police honor those who have died in the line of duty | Bethelehm Area

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Pennsylvania State Police are honoring those lost in the line of duty.

To date, 105 state troopers have died while serving the commonwealth – the most recent in Chester County last month.

The ceremony took place at PSP’s Troop M headquarters in Bethlehem.

Pennsylvania State Police honor the fallen every year. It’s a reminder that once you join the brotherhood to serve, you are always a member.

Bagpipes echoed across Troop M Bethlehem as Troopers, retirees, and members of the community remember those killed in the line of duty.

This is the 121st year state police have held memorial services.

105 troopers have died serving Pennsylvania, the most recent being Cpl. Timothy J. O’Connor Jr., a 15-year veteran, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on March 8, in Chester County.

The troopers say it’s important to remember those who sacrificed their lives and hope that no one else joins their ranks.

“We always have to remember the past. We cannot go forward without remembering the past, remembering the sacrifices that not only did the troopers do, but the families,” said lt. Dennis Simms, the Station Commander at Troop M headquarters.

“It’s important to the families that lost the loved ones, to know that we’re still here for them and to remember those that we lost.”