Trooper William K. Jenkins III (TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE)
Trooper Joseph Perechinsky (TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE)
Two local state troopers were among 83 Pennsylvania employees across 17 state agencies presented with the Governor’s Awards for Excellence this week.
Gov. Josh Shapiro lauded Troopers William Jenkins and Joseph Perechinsky, “For extraordinary courage and commitment to duty even in extreme, life-threatening conditions.”
On Aug. 7, 2025, Perechinsky and Jenkins, stationed at Troop R, Gibson, Susquehanna County, suffered injuries after responding to a call in Thompson Twp. Both are Lakeland High School graduates.
Perechinsky was shot twice in the chest/torso area and Jenkins was shot twice, once in each arm. Despite his injuries, Perechinsky managed to apply tourniquets to his partner’s arms before a third trooper evacuated them. Perechinsky also commandeered a passing tractor-trailer and directed the driver to pull the rig across the road to block others from danger.
Carrying on after being injured
After 61-year-old Carmine Faino shot and killed his neighbor, 57-year-old Lori Wasko, outside her home, he ambushed Perechinsky and Jenkins with rounds of gunfire from a high-powered rifle from a distance. Their police vehicle was also riddled with bullet holes. Faino was shot and killed by responding police after refusing to comply with commands.
“Even while injured, both Troopers carried on with their duties by blocking traffic to prevent others from entering harm’s way and relaying crucial information to other responding units, saving lives and preventing additional casualties,” Shapiro concluded.
“Every day across Pennsylvania, Commonwealth employees show what it truly means to step up for their neighbors. Their work reminds us that government can be a powerful force for good when dedicated people bring their talent, compassion, and commitment to serving others. The employees recognized today represent the best of us, and my Administration is proud to recognize the incredible state employees who serve our Commonwealth.”
“The Governor’s Awards for Excellence recognize fewer than one percent of state employees each year — a testament to the prestige of these awards and the exceptional caliber of those selected,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver.