Bill to Honor Fallen State Police Troopers Sent to Governor
A bill designating a portion of I-84 as the “Fallen Trooper Memorial Highway” now just needs Governor Rendell’s signature, according to Senator Lisa Baker, R-20. The designated stretch will run from Lackawanna County to the Pennsylvania-New York state line.
Baker said the designation would honor Pennsylvania State Police officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the safety and security of the Commonwealth. She credits retired state trooper and Luzerne County resident Michael Jordan with the idea.
“Every day a trooper walks out the front door they know they might not return home,” Baker said. “Mike knows first-hand what that feels like and wanted to find a way to honor those he has known over the years who were killed in the line of duty.”
Baker pointed out that the mission of the Pennsylvania State Police is to seek justice, preserve peace and improve the quality of life for all. She said the “Fallen Trooper Memorial Highway” is a way we can publicly recognize their sacrifice and extend our thanks and appreciation to the surviving members of their families.”
The PA State Police, created by Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker on May 2, 1905, became the first uniformed police organization of its kind in the United States and a model for other state police agencies throughout the nation. To date, 93 troopers have given their lives for the protection of the Commonwealth.