Memorial Service Honors Fallen Pennsylvania State Troopers
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — A solemn memorial service took place Tuesday at the Punxsutawney barracks, commemorating the sacrifices made by state troopers from Troop C who lost their lives in the line of duty. The event honored the memory of Privates John Henry and Francis Zehringer, who were tragically killed in 1906 while investigating the notorious "Black Hand Society," a criminal organization associated with Italian immigrants in Florence, Jefferson County.
The service also recognized the dedication of Corporal Joseph Fulton, an Osceola Mills native, who died in a vehicular accident in 1936 near Erie. Additionally, Trooper Monty Mitchell, who suffered a medical emergency at the Troop C barracks in 2021, was remembered for his service.
Colonel Christopher Paris remarked on the weight of being the first in any field, noting the significance of Henry and Zehringer’s sacrifices as the first troopers in Pennsylvania to die while serving. "It’s difficult to go first in any endeavor, from batting order, all the way up through making the ultimate sacrifice in an agency that would serve to be the prototype of many others that followed," he stated, highlighting the impactful legacy of the fallen troopers.
Together, the honored officers represent a legacy of bravery and dedication within the Pennsylvania State Police. Their sacrifices serve as a poignant reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty and the ongoing commitment to protecting and serving the community. The memorial not only pays respect to those who have fallen but also reinforces the support and remembrance of those still serving today.
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