Fallen Westmoreland County police officers recognized at park ceremony

The ultimate sacrifice of 27 law enforcement officers in Westmoreland County was recognized Thursday by their peers, families and friends.

For Rosemarie Reed, it was especially welcome.

“This means a lot to me,” she said. “Just knowing the fact that my husband is being recognized for his service.”

St. Clair Township police Officer Lloyd Reed Jr., 54, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call on Nov. 28, 2015, in New Florence. Rosemarie Reed, of Holsopple, Somerset County, said she hopes the Police Officers Memorial Service held at St. Clair Park in Greensburg becomes an annual event.

That is the intent of District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli, whose office planned the service attended by a couple hundred police officers, county officials and employees, and others. Families of the 27 fallen officers and members of their departments placed white carnations in a basket as the names were read by Chief Detective Ron Zona. There were prayers, songs and a state police helicopter flyover under a hot sun.

The event coincided with National Police Week, which was established in 1962, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

“We ask so much of these men and women, from ensuring public safety, to solving domestic violence incidents, substance abuse issues and mental health challenges,” Ziccarelli said. “Our officers, troopers and deputies always rise to the challenge and demonstrate courage and dedication.”

It was important to remember the legacies of the 27 officers killed in Westmoreland County since 1900, she said.

“They served and sacrificed for a purpose far greater than themselves and exemplified the true definition of a hero,” she said.

State police Cpl. Jonathan Lindsay agreed. Four troopers and a state police private were honored during the ceremony.

“An event like this is needed to remember and celebrate those we have lost, yet never forgotten,” he said.

Murrysville police Chief Thomas Seefeld expressed appreciation for community members who show support for police. He encouraged fellow law enforcement officers to remember their sense of mission and purpose and strive to make a difference in their communities.

In the line of duty

Officers who have been killed in the line of duty in Westmoreland County:

Apollo: Patrolman Leonard C. Miller, fatally shot, Jan. 3, 1980

Arnold: Sgt. Ernest C. Johnson, fatally shot, April 2, 1953; police Chief Michael W. Peltz, fatally shot, April 4, 1953

Greensburg: Patrolman Clyde E. Murtland, motorcycle crash, Jan. 30, 1933

Irwin: Police Chief Robert E. Pierce, hit by a vehicle, June 23, 1957

Jeannette: Patrolman Joseph H. Bossert, fatally shot, Jan. 29, 1921; Patrolman Allen R. “Jack” Capozzi, heart attack, Oct. 18, 1978

Ligonier Township: Patrolman John L. McConnaughey, vehicle crash, March 7, 1973; Lt. Eric Eslary, hit by drunken driver, May 5, 2015

Lower Burrell: Patrolman Derek Kotecki, fatally shot, Oct. 12, 2011

Monessen: Acting police Chief Michael Entinger, fatally shot, March 8, 1913; Patrolman Alexander Vought Jr., fatally shot, Nov. 30, 1918; Patrolman Spiro N. Galanoudis, hit by a vehicle, Oct. 19, 1973

Mt. Pleasant Borough: Chief Denver Braden Pore, fatally shot, April 7, 1906

New Kensington: Patrolman Brian Shaw, fatally shot, Nov. 17, 2017

Pennsylvania State Constable: Harry Darby Bierer, fatally shot, July 9, 1903; John T. Caslin, fatally shot, Aug. 7, 1948

Pennsylvania State Police: Private John Patrick McLaughlin, Spanish flu, Oct. 24, 1918; Trooper Stephen R. Gyurke, hit by tractor-trailer, Aug. 24, 1958; Trooper Bruce C. Rankin, vehicle crash, April 25, 1973; Trooper Gary William Fisher, fatally shot, Feb. 3, 1985; Trooper Michael Paul Stewart III, vehicle crash, July 14, 2017

St. Clair Township: Officer Lloyd Reed Jr., fatally shot, Nov. 28, 2015

West Newton: Police Chief George Rae, fatally shot, Sept. 16, 1924

Westmoreland County Sheriff: Deputy George Ridgeway, fatally shot, Dec. 5, 1910; Deputy Charles Davidson, ran over by a train, Dec. 19, 1910; Deputy Ernest W. Gaujot, fatally shot, June 13, 1922

Source: Officer Down Memorial Page