PENNSYLVANIA (WBNG) — A day of recognition honored the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police who went above and beyond to keep their communities safe over the past year.
The Pennsylvania State Police held its annual department awards ceremony on June 22 at Bishop McDevitt High School in Lower Paxton Township.
The ceremony recognized the bravery and outstanding work of dedicated troopers, personnel and community members who helped to keep Pennsylvania safe over the last year.
“This awards ceremony is an opportunity to honor the dedicated women and men who went above and beyond to uphold PSP’s mission to seek justice, preserve peace, and improve the quality of life for all across our Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Among the attendees were four troopers receiving the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart, an award presented to members who receive serious bodily injury in the line of duty, according to PSP:
Joseph Perechinsky of Troop R, Gibson William K. Jenkins, III of Troop R, GibsonLucas C. Amarose, Troop H, ChambersburgThomas R. Pack, Troop H, Chambersburg
On Aug. 7, 2025, Troopers Perechinsky and Jenkins were called to a home in Susquehanna County after a woman was fatally shot by her neighbor.
When arriving on the scene, the troopers were immediately ambushed by gunfire. Trooper Perechinski was shot in the chest and back, while Trooper Jenkins was struck in the hand, forearm and shoulder.
Although they endured substantial injuries, both men moved to cover, rendered aid to one another, and directed responding law enforcement and personnel into tactically advantageous positions to help protect them on the scene and prevent further tragedy.
On October 8, 2025, Troopers Pack and Amarose responded to a retail theft in Franklin County.
While heading to the scene, they spotted the suspect vehicle on I-81, and a pursuit ensued. Spike strips were deployed and successfully stopped the fleeing vehicle.
Two of the occupants were detained. A third individual, armed with a handgun, exchanged gunfire with PSP, resulting in Trooper Pack being shot multiple times in the leg, and Trooper Amarose sustaining gunshot wounds to his elbow and pelvis.
Despite suffering significant injuries, both Troopers refused to quit, staying in the fight until they stopped the threat and the public was safe.
“These individuals are an inspiration for all of us, and I am deeply proud of their unwavering commitment, selflessness, and courage to serve and protect Pennsylvanians,” Bivens said.
Please visit PSP’s website to read more about the award recipients and their stories.
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