DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Four Pennsylvania state troopers who were shot and injured in the line of duty have been recognized with the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart.
The Pennsylvania State Police hosted its annual department ceremony at Bishop McDevitt High School Monday to honor a year of heroism and work that the troopers have done to keep Pennsylvanians safe.
On Oct. 8, 2025, Troopers Lucas C. Amarose and Thomas R. Pack were shot after a chase which led to a shooting on I-81. The exchange led to both officers being shot, sustaining injuries across their bodies.
Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William K. Jenkins, III, were called to a home in Susquehanna County on Aug. 7, 2025, and were met with an immediate ambush by gunfire on the scene. Both troopers survived after sustained injuries to their chest, back, hand, forearm and shoulder.
“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 Lt. Col. George Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
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.