PSP remembers fallen troopers in Lackawanna County

DICKSON CITY, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police in Lackawanna County held a ceremony to honor troopers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Both current and retired members of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R gathered at Eagle Hose Company Number 1 in Dickson City for a memorial service to commemorate 119 years of dedication and service.

“Every day that you go out into the line of duty you always risk that chance, you see your wife, your kids, your significant other in the morning and you know you take that risk that you might not be coming home,” said Tpr, Robert Urban the community services officer Troop R.

Provided moments for reflection for the troopers killed in the line of duty since the inception of the Pennsylvania State Police.

“Today we honor their bravery, their memory their legacy, we honor these individuals who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” says Captain Michael Walsh the commanding officer of Troop R.

103 Pennsylvania State troopers have died in the line of duty, six of them from Troop R, they were remembered with a roll call.

Retired trooper Michael Yanochko served for 25 years. He says this Memorial Day he is honoring the lives of two troopers in particular.

“I lost two very good friends of mine, Tpr. Paul Bickelman and Tpr. Mike Morrisey in the last two months so it really touches my heart, it was an honor to put a wreath on a memorial for me,” added Yanochko.

Every day not just on May 2, known as “Pennsylvania State Police Memorial Day” retired trooper Richard Kane says he prays for state police and their families.

“You’re in situations not daily, but in a situation too often when you could be hurt and it’s all in how you react, using your common sense,” stated Kane.

Similar state police memorial ceremonies will be held across our region over the coming weeks.

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