Pennsylvania State Police

Statewide law enforcement agency of Pennsylvania

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Law enforcement agency

Pennsylvania State Police

Patch of Pennsylvania State Police

Wordmark of the Pennsylvania State Police

Abbreviation| PSP
Agency overview
Formed| May 2, 1905; 120 years ago (1905-05-02)
Preceding agencies|

* Pennsylvania State Constabulary Pennsylvania State Constables (1905–1937)
* State Highway Patrol (1923–1937)
* Pennsylvania Motor Police (1937–1943)

Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction| Pennsylvania, U.S.
Pennsylvania State Police Troops
Size| 46,055 sq mi
Population| 12,972,008 (2022)[1]
General nature|

* Civilian police

Operational structure
Headquarters| Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Troopers| 4,740 (as of 2023)[2]
Civilian employees| 1,850 (as of 2015)[2]
Agency executive|

* Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner

Areas| 4
Troops| 16
Facilities
Stations| 90
Airbases| 6
Helicopters| 6 Bell 407GX
Airplanes| 2 "High Wings"
Website
Pennsylvania State Police website

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is the state police agency of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, responsible for statewide law enforcement. The Pennsylvania State Police is a full service law enforcement agency which handles both traffic and criminal law enforcement. The Pennsylvania State Police was founded in 1905 by order of Governor Samuel Pennypacker, by signing Senate Bill 278 on May 2, 1905. The bill was signed in response to the Great Anthracite Strike of 1902. Leading up to the Anthracite Strike, private police forces (the coal and iron police) were used by mine and mill owners to stop worker strikes. The inability or refusal of local constables or sheriffs' offices to enforce the law directly influenced the signing of Bill 278. The Anthracite Strike lasted from May 15 to October 23, 1902, and was ended with the help of Theodore Roosevelt, the sitting president at the time.

PSP enlisted members are referred to as "Troopers". Up until 1963, married men were not allowed to apply to the state police, and active troopers had to seek permission from their superior officer to get married. As of 2021, the state police has approximately 4,547 State Troopers and more than 1,850 civilian support staff.[3]

## Pennsylvania State Police Academy

[edit]

In 1924, a State Police training academy was built in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Cocoa Avenue. The site was located at the Hershey Inn and it remained at this location until 1960 when it was moved to 175 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey, Pennsylvania. The current location is fitted with kennels, stables and a range, among other facilities, and is located only a few miles from the original site. Once accepted into the Pennsylvania State Police Academy cadets endure a rigorous 28-week training period.[4] Cadets live at the academy in barracks style quarters and are only permitted to go home on designated weekends. Cadets who fail to complete physical training in required times or who show any other type of deficiencies may be restricted from going home. While attending training, cadets are put on an 18-month probationary period and can be dismissed at any point in their training by the commissioner under any form of incompetence, inefficiency, or general violation of rules and regulations.[5] The current drop-out rate for new recruits in the academy is approximately 20 percent per class.

## Operations

[edit]

Under Pennsylvania law, a municipality may choose to have the state police act as its local law enforcement, and the municipality does not have to pay any fees to do so. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not use county sheriff's offices to patrol areas without local police, and so the PSP covers areas without local police departments. As of 2016[update] 1,287 municipalities in the state used the PSP as their only local law enforcement.[6] The full PSP municipalities that have a population of 10,000 or below combined have about 17% of the total number of people in Pennsylvania; these municipalities make up about 50% of the total municipalities in the state.[7] In 2019, about 66% of the municipalities in the state had PSP as the sole law enforcement or had a part-time police force combined with PSP.[8] As of 2016[update] all areas in the following counties use PSP as their local law enforcement (either fully, or with part-time police departments): Cameron, Forest, Fulton, Juniata, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming.[6]

## Facilities

[edit]

The PSP owns and operates a myriad of facilities to conduct law enforcement operations across the Commonwealth.

The following is the breakdown:

### Barracks listing by county

[edit]

County | Troop | Station

|
|

Adams | H | Gettysburg
Allegheny | B | Pittsburgh
Allegheny | T | Gibsonia
Allegheny | T | Jefferson Hills
Armstrong | D | Kittanning
Beaver | D | Beaver
Bedford | G | Bedford
Bedford | T | Everett
Berks | L | Reading
Berks | L | Hamburg
Blair | G | Hollidaysburg
Bradford | P | Towanda
Bucks | M | Trevose
Bucks | M | Dublin
Butler | D | Butler
Cambria | A | Ebensburg
Cameron | F | Emporium
Carbon | T | Pocono
Carbon | N | Lehighton
Centre | G | Rockview
Chester | J | Avondale
Chester | J | Embreeville
Clarion | C | Clarion
Clearfield | C | Clearfield
Clearfield | C | DuBois
Clinton | F | Lamar
Columbia | N | Bloomsburg
Crawford | E | Meadville
Cumberland | H | Carlisle
Cumberland | T | Newville
Dauphin | T | Highspire
Dauphin | H | Harrisburg
Dauphin | H | Lykens
Delaware | K | Media
Elk | C | Ridgway
Erie | E | Erie
Erie | E | Corry
Erie | E | Girard
Fayette | B | Uniontown
Forest | C | Marienville
Franklin | H | Chambersburg
Fulton | G | McConnellsburg
Greene | B | Waynesburg
Huntingdon | G | Huntingdon
Indiana | A | Indiana
Jefferson | C | Punxsutawney
Lackawanna | R | Dunmore
Lancaster | T | Bowmansville
Lancaster | J | Lancaster
Lawrence | D | New Castle
Lebanon | L | Jonestown
Lehigh | M | Fogelsville
Lehigh | M | Bethlehem
Luzerne | N | Hazleton
Luzerne | P | Shickshinny
Luzerne | P | Wyoming
Lycoming | F | Montoursville
McKean | C | Lewis Run
Mercer | D | Mercer
Mifflin | G | Lewistown
Monroe | N | Stroudsburg
Monroe | N | Fern Ridge
Montgomery | T | King of Prussia
Montgomery | K | Skippack
Northampton | M | Belfast
Northumberland | F | Stonington
Northumberland | F | Milton
Perry | H | Newport
Philadelphia | K | Philadelphia
Pike | R | Blooming Grove
Potter | F | Coudersport
Schuylkill | L | Schuylkill Haven
Schuylkill | L | Frackville
Snyder | F | Selinsgrove
Somerset | A | Somerset
Somerset | T | Somerset
Sullivan | P | Laporte
Susquehanna | R | Gibson
Tioga | F | Mansfield
Union | F | Milton
Venango | E | Franklin
Warren | E | Warren
Washington | B | Washington
Wayne | R | Honesdale
Westmoreland | A | Greensburg
Westmoreland | B | Belle Vernon
Westmoreland | T | New Stanton
Westmoreland | A | Kiski Valley
Wyoming | P | Tunkhannock
York | J | York

### Bureaus and offices

[edit]

The PSP also has many bureaus and subdivisions within the organization.[9] This is by no means a complete list, merely a sampling of the breakdown.

* Bureau of Criminal Investigation
* Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations
* Bureau of Forensic Services
* Bureau of Human Resources
* Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement
* Bureau of Records and Identification
* Bureau of Patrol
* Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards
* Bureau of Communications and Information Services
* Bureau of Staff Services
* Bureau of Research & Development
* Bureau of Training & Education
* Bureau of Gaming Enforcement
* Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network – C.L.E.A.N.
* Equal Employment Opportunity Office
* Public Information Office
* Recruitment and Special Services Office
* Member Assistance Office
* Department Discipline Office
* Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC)
* Domestic Security Office
* Bureau of Pregnancies & Domestic Affairs

### Units

[edit]

* Academy Instructors
* Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialists
* Auto Theft Units
* Aviation
* Ballistics Section
* Ceremonial Unit
* Clandestine Lab Units
* Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
* Community Service Officer
* Computer Crimes
* Criminal Interdiction (S.H.I.E.L.D)
* Criminal Investigation Units
* Drug Recognition Experts
* Explosives/Bomb Section
* Fire Marshals
* Firearms Instructors
* Forensic Services Unit
* Fugitive Units
* Gaming Enforcement
* Intelligence Units
* Interdiction Units
* K-9 Units
* Marine Unit
* Megan's Law Unit
* Motorcycle Units
* Mounted Units
* Negotiators
* Organized Crime
* PA Crime Stoppers
* PA Criminal Intelligence Center
* PA Instant Check System
* Polygraph Unit
* Public Information Officers
* Recruiting Unit
* Special Emergency Response Teams (SERT), which is the PA State Police's version of S.W.A.T
* State Police Crime Laboratories
* Uniform Patrol Units
* Unsolved Crimes
* Vehicle Fraud Investigation
* Vice/Narcotics

## Uniform and rank structure

[edit]

The uniform worn by PSP troopers is unique within Pennsylvania. In January 1988, the State Police changed the color of its uniforms. PSP troopers wore dark grey uniforms that confused them with some municipal police departments and Pennsylvania State Constables. By state law, no municipal (city, borough, or township) police department can wear the same exact uniform or color configuration as that of the PSP.

### Uniform – troopers to sergeants

[edit]

The current PSP uniform for troopers, corporals, and sergeants consists of a light gray uniform shirt with black shoulder epaulets. The PSP shoulder patch is worn on both sleeves of all uniform items. The PSP members are issued long sleeve shirts for the winter and short sleeve shirts for summer. However, PSP requires the black necktie to be worn year round. The uniform shirt consist of the trooper's nameplate over the right pocket and any awards the trooper has earned over the left pocket. The PSP is one of only five state police forces that do not wear a badge on their uniform shirts.[10][self-published source?] The original PSP uniform was modeled after the Constabulary forces in Europe and they did not have badges. It is history and tradition for troopers today to carry their badges in a wallet along with their photo ID card. The uniform trousers are a darker gray color with a one-inch-wide black stripe on the leg. PSP shoes and/or boots are also black in color.

The PSP duty belt is plain black leather. The duty holster is the level-2 model. The ammo pouch and handcuff case have hidden snap closure. The OC pepper spray and ASP baton holders are open top. The duty belt is held together with the trousers belt using four silver snap belt keepers. In 2025, PSP started using external vests on their long sleeves uniforms. These do not carry any equipment and mimic the front and back of the shirt. The chest portion of the shirt is modified to be breathable. These are in trial in Troop T.

The PSP trademark item is the campaign-style hat with the chin strap worn in the front under the chin on the winter campaign hat (as opposed to most agencies that wear the strap of the campaign hat behind the head). The hat contains a blackened commonwealth coat of arms. It is required to be worn whenever the trooper is outdoors. It is made of dark gray felt (for wintertime wear) or light gray straw (for summertime wear). The strap of the summer hat is worn behind the head.

The Class "A" Ceremonial uniform troopers wear is a "full dress" uniform with a charcoal gray military-style blouse coat with black buttons. It is worn with the standard issue trouser pants and a black dress shoes. The rank insignia is worn on the shoulder epaulets of the blouse coat. Medals, insignias and ribbons are to be worn on the blouse coat. This uniform is modeled after the original PSP history uniform.

Service insignia's are permitted to be worn on the left sleeve of the Class "A" Ceremonial uniform to correspond with the troopers years of service. A gold bar symbolizes 5 years of service and a gold star symbolizes 10 years of service. The symbols can be combined on the sleeve to signify additional years of service.

### Uniform – Commissioned Officers (lieutenants to colonel)

[edit]

The uniforms for PSP Lieutenants, Captains, Majors, Lieutenant Colonels, and the Colonel are identical to that of the lower ranks, except for the following:

* A gold-colored commonwealth coat of arms on the left collar and the officer's rank on the right collar.
* Black stripes on trousers has a gold stripe within it of increasing width with higher rank.
* The campaign hat is replaced with a military officer's style service cap with a gold-colored commonwealth seal. Captains and above have the distinctive "scrambled eggs" on the visor. Alternatively, officers may wear the campaign hat with a gold coat of arms with the duty uniform.

In addition to the minor detail changes, officers also wear the Class "A" Ceremonial uniform. Officers Class "A" Ceremonial uniform includes a "full dress" uniform with a charcoal gray military-style blouse coat with gold buttons and gold stitching on the sleeves. It is worn with the standard issue trouser pants which include a gold stripe and black dress shoes. The rank insignia is worn on the shoulder epaulets of the blouse coat. Medals, insignias and ribbons are to be worn on the blouse coat.

Service insignia's are permitted to be worn on the left sleeve of the Class "A" Ceremonial uniform to correspond with the troopers years of service. A gold bar symbolizes 5 years of service and a gold star symbolizes 10 years of service. The symbols can be combined on the sleeve to signify additional years of service.

### Ranks, insignia, and descriptions, etc.

[edit]

Title  | Insignia  | Additional Information

|
|

Commissioner (Rank of Colonel)  |  | The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police holds the rank of Colonel. The Commissioner is the commander of the Pennsylvania State Police.
Deputy Commissioner (Rank of Lieutenant Colonel)  |  | The Deputy Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police holds the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The Deputy Commissioner is Second-In Command of the Pennsylvania state Police.
Major |  | Majors are in charge of an Area, such as Area III, encompassing several Troops.
Captain |  | Captains are in charge of a Troop, such as Troop B, encompassing several Stations.
Lieutenant |  | Lieutenants are in charge of a Station, such as Station 1 (located in Troop B which is located in Area III).
Sergeant |  | Sergeants are Station Commanders, Supervisor of a unit, section, or specialty position.
Corporal |  | Corporals are Supervisors of Troopers, overseeing the patrol's daily calls for service.
Master Trooper | Silver Nameplate  | This is a longevity promotion for Troopers who have completed 22 years of service.
Trooper First Class | Single Stripe  | This is a longevity promotion for Troopers who have completed 12 years of service.
Trooper | No insignia | Upon graduation from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, cadets are promoted to the rank of Trooper.
State Police Cadet  | No insignia | A State Police Cadet is a Commonwealth employee who is enrolled in but has not yet graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

## Vehicles

[edit]

The department currently operates a mixed fleet of vehicles including the new law enforcement specific Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Tahoe. They also use Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for highway patrol.The PSP also owns and operates numerous helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.[11] PSP operates watercraft mainly on the Delaware River and Lake Erie.

## Aviation

[edit]

Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter

The PSP Aviation Section consists of thirty-five trooper pilots and three full-time mechanics, using six law enforcement specific Bell 407GX helicopters and six airplanes statewide. These aircraft are stationed in six aviation patrol units (APU).

## Weapons

[edit]

The Pennsylvania State Police utilizes the Walther PDP (Service Pistol) which is a 9×19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol designed in 2021 by Walther Arms as a replacement for the Walther PPQ. The Walther PDP is also mounted with an Aimpoint Acro P-2 red dot reflex sight.

Other firearms include the Colt AR-15 (including the LE6920 and LE6940), and gas grenade launchers.

The current less-lethal weapons the PSP is utilizing consist of electroshock weapon technology,[12] pepper spray (OC), and expandable ASP straight batons.

## Accreditation

[edit]

The Pennsylvania State Police is the largest internationally accredited law enforcement agency in the world. This distinction was awarded to the Pennsylvania State Police on July 31, 1993, by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), an independent, non-profit organization based in Fairfax, Virginia.[13]

Accreditation is a process used by professional law enforcement agencies to facilitate the creation, verification and maintenance of high-quality policies and procedures, via voluntary compliance with performance standards. CALEA's 446 standards address nine major law enforcement topics: role, responsibilities, and relationships with other agencies; organization, management, and administration; personnel structure; personnel process; operations; operational support; traffic operations; prisoner and court-related services; and auxiliary and technical services.[14]

## Members killed in the line of duty

[edit]

Key
shaded rows with "SHP" in the Notes cell denotes the officer was a member of the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol.

Name  | Rank  | Badge Number  | Tenure  | End of Watch  | Age  | Cause of Death  | Notes

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

John F. Henry  | Private  | —  | 8 months  | September 2, 1906  | 31  | Gunfire
Francis A. Zehringer  | Private  | —  | 8 months  | September 2, 1906  | 34  | Gunfire
Timothy Kelleher  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 8 months  | September 14, 1907  | 29  | Stabbed
Mark A. Prynn  | Sergeant  | —  | 3 years, 2 months  | February 9, 1909  | 29  | Gunfire (Accidental)
John Garscia  | Private  | —  | 3 years, 3 months  | February 21, 1909  | 35  | Gunfire (Accidental)
John L. Williams  | Private  | —  | 2 years  | August 22, 1909  | 29  | Gunfire
John C. "Jack" Smith  | Private  | —  | 7 months  | August 23, 1909  | 24  | Gunfire
Robert V. Myers  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 1 month  | March 28, 1913  | 22  | Gunfire (Accidental)
Andrew W. Czap  | Private  | —  | 8 months  | April 28, 1918  | 24  | Gunfire
John F. Dargus  | Private  | —  | 8 months  | May 31, 1918  | 21  | Gunfire
Chester A. Kuhns  | Private  | —  | 2 years  | October 6, 1918  | 29  | Spanish Influenza
Joseph B. Malloy  | Private  | —  | 2 years  | October 9, 1918  | 24  | Spanish Influenza
Zoe A. Remaly  | Sergeant  | —  | 9 years  | October 15, 1918  | 35  | Spanish Influenza
George E. Higgins  | Private  | —  | 3 months  | October 20, 1918  | 26  | Spanish Influenza
Joseph R. Brown  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 6 months  | October 22, 1918  | 29  | Spanish Influenza
Edward C. Jackson  | Private  | —  | 2 years  | October 23, 1918  | 27  | Spanish Influenza
John P. McLaughlin  | Private  | —  | 1 years, 5 months  | October 24, 1918  | 34  | Spanish Influenza
James A. Walsh  | Private  | —  | —  | December 15, 1918  | 25  | Spanish Influenza
Stanley W. Christ  | Private  | —  | 1 month  | December 1, 1919  | 22  | Animal related
Benjamin F. McEvoy  | Corporal  | —  | 13 years, 3 months  | September 21, 1923  | 40  | Struck by vehicle
William J. Omlor  | Private  | —  | 4 years, 4 months  | October 25, 1923  | 29  | Motorcycle accident
Francis L. Haley  | Private  | 2551  | 5 months  | October 14, 1924  | 25  | Gunfire
Edwin F. Haas  | Sergeant  | —  | 14 years  | October 17, 1924  | 35  | Gunfire (Accidental)
Bernard S. C. McElroy  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 11 months  | December 21, 1924  | 25  | Motorcycle accident
Bertram Beech  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 7 months  | December 10, 1925  | 28  | Struck by train
Claude F. Keesey  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 4 months  | January 4, 1927  | 23  | Automobile accident
Martin A. Hanahoe  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year, 1 month  | February 27, 1927  | 24  | Vehicular assault  | SHP
Thomas E. Lipka  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 8 months  | April 3, 1927  | 25  | Automobile accident
John M. Thomas  | Sergeant  | —  | 1 month  | May 8, 1927  | 43  | Automobile accident
John J. Downey  | Private  | 2853  | 3 years, 2 months  | August 22, 1927  | 31  | Gunfire
Vincent A. Hassen  | Corporal  | —  | 1 year  | December 27, 1927  | 24  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
Sharon C. Wible  | Patrolman  | —  | 6 months  | February 6, 1928  | 22  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
Andrew W. Miller  | Patrolman  | —  | 7 months  | April 1, 1928  | 21  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
James F. "Jay" Proof  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year, 6 months  | August 29, 1928  | 30  | Vehicle pursuit  | SHP
Russell T. Swanson  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year, 6 months  | April 19, 1929  | 22  | Gunfire  | SHP
Wells C. Hammond  | Patrolman  | —  | 10 months  | October 14, 1929  | 24  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
Brady C. Paul  | Corporal  | —  | 3 years, 11 months  | December 27, 1929  | 26  | Gunfire  | SHP
Thomas E. Lawry  | Corporal  | —  | 3 years, 4 months  | January 31, 1930  | 24  | Vehicular assault  | SHP
Arthur A. Koppenhaver  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year  | July 13, 1930  | 22  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
Charles L. Stewart  | Private  | —  | 1 year, 1 month  | July 18, 1930  | 22  | Gunfire
Thomas B. Elder  | Patrolman  | —  | 2 years  | March 22, 1931  | 28  | Vehicular assault  | SHP
Timothy G. McCarthy  | Sergeant  | —  | 11 years, 8 months  | May 12, 1931  | 42  | Gunfire
Orville A. Mohring  | Patrolman  | —  | 2 years, 6 months  | December 11, 1931  | 24  | Vehicular assault  | SHP
Joseph A. Conrad  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year, 11 months  | September 6, 1932  | 26  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
Charles E. Householder  | Patrolman  | —  | 5 years, 3 months  | August 20, 1933  | 27  | Vehicular assault  | SHP
Herbert P. Brantlinger  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year, 8 months  | September 3, 1933  | 27  | Gunfire  | SHP
James A. Seerey  | First Sergeant  | 1760  | 14 years, 7 months  | September 10, 1934  | 42  | Animal related
Floyd W. Maderia  | Private  | —  | 4 years, 7 months  | December 11, 1934  | 34  | Automobile accident
Joseph L. Fulton  | Corporal  | —  | 7 years, 8 months  | June 4, 1936  | 32  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
Joe B. Champion  | Sergeant  | —  | 11 years, 9 months  | July 15, 1936  | 36  | Automobile accident  | SHP
J. Lee Clarke  | Patrolman  | —  | 3 years, 1 month  | March 1, 1937  | 32  | Motorcycle accident  | SHP
John E. Fessler  | Private  | —  | 4 years, 1 month  | April 23, 1937  | 32  | Gunfire
Joseph A. Hoffer  | Private  | —  | 7 years, 7 months  | April 27, 1937  | 29  | Gunfire
John J. Broski  | Private  | 1385  | 19 years, 7 months  | August 14, 1937  | 40  | Gunfire
John D. Simoson  | Patrolman  | —  | 1 year, 7 months  | December 1, 1937  | 23  | Motorcycle accident
Joseph M. Williams  | Private  | —  | 6 months  | October 8, 1938  | 26  | Struck by vehicle
Charles H. Craven  | Private  | —  | 8 years  | October 11, 1938  | 32  | Struck by vehicle
George D. Naughton  | Corporal  | —  | 12 years, 2 months  | January 30, 1939  | 40  | Gunfire
Frederick J. Sutton  | Private  | —  | 2 years, 4 months  | January 3, 1940  | 26  | Gunfire
George J. Yashur  | Private  | —  | 3 years, 2 months  | April 1, 1940  | 24  | Struck by vehicle
Thomas P. Carey  | Private  | —  | 6 years, 1 month  | June 17, 1941  | 31  | Exposure to toxins
Dean N. Zeigler  | Private  | —  | 1 year  | October 17, 1942  | 24  | Automobile accident
John A. Ditkosky  | Private  | —  | 3 years, 2 months  | July 24, 1950  | 27  | Automobile accident
Floyd B. Clouse  | Private  | —  | 7 years, 3 months  | November 2, 1953  | 29  | Gunfire
Joseph F. McMillen  | Private  | —  | 3 years, 11 months  | May 13, 1956  | 26  | Automobile accident
Philip C. Melley  | Trooper  | —  | 19 years, 11 months  | November 3, 1957  | 41  | Gunfire
Charles S. Stanski  | Trooper  | —  | 4 years  | January 17, 1958  | 29  | Vehicle pursuit
Edward Mackiw  | Trooper  | —  | 8 years, 7 months  | May 31, 1958  | 32  | Struck by vehicle
Stephen R. Gyurke  | Trooper  | 606  | 3 years, 10 months  | August 24, 1958  | 29  | Struck by vehicle
Francis M. Tessitore  | Trooper  | —  | 6 years, 10 months  | August 5, 1960  | 28  | Struck by vehicle
Anthony Bensch  | Trooper  | —  | 20 years  | October 3, 1961  | 43  | Automobile accident
Edward W. Gundel  | Sergeant  | —  | 24 years, 6 months  | March 18, 1962  | 45  | Gunfire
Richard G. Barnhart  | Trooper  | —  | 12 years, 8 months  | August 8, 1964  | 37  | Vehicle pursuit
Gary R. Rosenberger  | Trooper  | —  | 1 year, 6 months  | December 12, 1970  | 26  | Gunfire
John S. Valent  | Corporal  | 1003  | 25 years, 10 months  | December 9, 1971  | 49  | Gunfire
Robert D. Lapp Jr.  | Trooper  | —  | 8 years, 1 month  | October 16, 1972  | 30  | Gunfire
Bruce C. Rankin  | Trooper  | —  | 2 years, 2 months  | April 25, 1973  | 25  | Automobile accident
Ross E. Snowden  | Trooper  | —  | 3 years, 9 months  | January 17, 1974  | 33  | Aircraft accident
Leo M. Koscelnick  | Corporal  | —  | 7 years, 3 months  | August 15, 1977  | 33  | Vehicular assault
Joseph J. Welsch  | Trooper  | —  | 4 years, 7 months  | September 13, 1977  | 26  | Gunfire
Wayne C. Ebert  | Trooper  | —  | 27 years, 9 months  | June 7, 1978  | 50  | Struck by vehicle
Albert J. Izzo  | Trooper  | —  | 7 years, 11 months  | June 13, 1979  | 35  | Gunfire
David D. Monahan  | Trooper  | —  | 8 years, 11 months  | April 17, 1980  | 38  | Vehicular assault
Herbert A. Wirfel  | Trooper  | —  | 20 years, 5 months  | February 7, 1982  | 45  | Automobile accident
William R. Evans  | Trooper  | —  | 16 years, 3 months  | January 6, 1983  | 44  | Vehicle pursuit
Frank J. Bowen  | Trooper  | —  | 2 years, 10 months  | October 26, 1983  | 27  | Automobile accident
Gary W. Fisher  | Trooper  | —  | 4 years, 1 month  | February 3, 1985  | 26  | Gunfire
John J. Brown  | Trooper  | 1290  | 14 years, 7 months  | February 14, 1985  | 37  | Struck by vehicle
Roark H. Ross  | Trooper  | 4099  | 13 years, 3 months  | May 15, 1986  | 35  | Automobile accident
Clinton W. Crawford  | Trooper  | —  | 6 years, 6 months  | August 17, 1987  | 30  | Struck by vehicle
John A. Andrulewicz  | Trooper  | —  | 23 years, 7 months  | May 9, 1988  | 45  | Automobile accident
Paul I. Almer  | Corporal  | —  | 14 years, 1 month  | April 12, 1989  | 39  | Aircraft accident
Wayne D. Bilheimer  | Trooper  | —  | 21 years, 3 months  | April 12, 1989  | 44  | Aircraft accident
Arthur L. Hershey  | Sergeant  | —  | 27 years, 8 months  | January 3, 1999  | 51  | Struck by vehicle
Matthew R. Bond  | Trooper  | —  | 4 years, 3 months  | January 14, 2000  | 28  | Automobile accident
Tod C. Kelly  | Trooper  | —  | 16 years, 4 months  | November 7, 2001  | 43  | Struck by vehicle
Joseph J. Sepp Jr.  | Trooper  | 6672  | 10 years, 8 months  | November 10, 2002  | 34  | Gunfire
Brian A. Patterson  | Trooper  | 7273  | 9 years, 4 months  | February 14, 2003  | 36  | Electrocuted
Joseph R. Pokorny Jr.  | Corporal  | 4648  | 22 years, 5 months  | December 12, 2005  | 45  | Gunfire
Joshua D. Miller  | Trooper  | 8819  | 10 years, 9 months  | June 7, 2009  | 34  | Gunfire
Paul G. Richey  | Trooper  | 7201  | 16 years, 7 months  | January 13, 2010  | 40  | Gunfire
Blake T. Coble  | Trooper First Class  | 5504  | 24 years, 9 months  | October 4, 2012  | 47  | Automobile accident
Bryon K. Dickson, II  | Corporal  | 10714  | 7 years, 3 months  | September 12, 2014  | 38  | Gunfire (terrorist attack)
David Kedra  | Trooper  | 12115  | 2 years, 3 months  | September 30, 2014  | 26  | Gunfire (Accidental)
Landon E. Weaver  | Trooper  | 13093  | 1 year, 16 days  | December 30, 2016  | 23  | Gunfire
Michael P. Stewart, III  | Trooper  | 12494  | 3 years, 6 months  | July 14, 2017  | 26  | Automobile accident
Donald C. Brackett  | Trooper First Class  | —  | 17 years, 9 months  | May 18, 2019  | 58  | Training related
Monty R. Mitchell  | Trooper First Class  | 10816  | 13 years, 3 months  | February 8, 2021  | 45  | Heart attack
Dung X. Martinez  | Trooper First Class  | 8533  | 20 years, 7 months  | October 21, 2021  | 57  | COVID-19 exposure
Branden T. Sisca  | Trooper  | 14430  | 1 year, 1 month  | March 21, 2022  | 29  | Struck by vehicle
Martin F. Mack, III  | Trooper  | 12764  | 7 years, 4 months  | March 21, 2022  | 33  | Struck by vehicle
Jacques F. Rougeau Jr.  | Trooper  | 14376  | 2 years, 11 months  | June 17, 2023  | 29  | Gunfire

## Superintendents and commissioners since 1905

[edit]

The following is a chronological listings of commissioners of the Pennsylvania State Police:[15]

Superintendents of the Pennsylvania State Police[a] No.[16] | Name  | Term in Office  | Notes

|
|
|

1 | Col. John C. Groome | July 1, 1905

February 28, 1920[b]

| First state police superintendent, appointed by Governor Pennypacker
– | Cpt. George F. Lumb | June 3, 1919[c] | Served as acting superintendent briefly
2 | Major Lynn G. Adams  | March 1, 1920

February 28, 1937[b]

| Adams created the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCI&I) and named Captain Wilson C. Price to serve as the bureau's first chief.[17]
- | Office vacant | February 28, 1937

June 29, 1937

| Office remained vacant for four months following the retirement of Adams
Superintendents of the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol[d]
1 | Cpt. Wilson C. Price  | May 18, 1923

April 13, 1936[b]

| Pinchot]]
– | Deputy Supt.[e] Philip J. Dorr | February 29, 1936[c] | Served as acting superintendent briefly
– | Lt. Earl J. Henry | March 16, 1936[c] | Served as acting superintendent briefly
2 | Cpt. Charles H. Quarles  | April 13, 1936

February 28, 1937[f]

| Resigned in protest of the merging of the two departments[19]
– | Lt. Earl J. Henry | February 28, 1937

June 29, 1937

| Served as acting superintendent following the resignation of Quarles
Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Motor Police[g]
1 | Col.[h] Percy W. Foote  | June 29, 1937

January 25, 1939[b]

| First motor police commissioner, appointed by Governor Earle
– | Lt. Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm | January 25, 1939

May 31, 1939

| Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Foote
2 | Col. Lynn G. Adams  | May 31, 1939

January 20, 1943[f]

| In 1939, Col. Adams moved the horses which were stabled at 20th and Herr Street to the Hershey Training School[20]
3 | Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm  | January 20, 1943

June 1, 1943[i]

| Following the department's renaming in 1943, Wilhelm became the first state police commissioner
Commissioners of the Pennsylvania State Police[j]
4 | Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm  | June 1, 1943[i]

March 28, 1955[b]

| First state police commissioner, appointed by Governor Martin
5 | Col. Earl J. Henry  | March 28, 1955

February 26, 1959[b]

| Henry abolished the use of the "squadron" label in favor of "district" and changed the title of "squadron commander" to "district inspector"[21]
6 | Col. Frank G. McCartney  | February 26, 1959

January 29, 1963[b]

| McCartney changed the name from "Pennsylvania State Police Training School" to "Pennsylvania State Police Academy"[22]
7 | Col. E. Wilson Purdy  | January 29, 1963

April 8, 1966[b]

| In 1963, Purdy introduced a five-day work week for the first time in State Police History.

Purdy also for the first time in State Police history allowed married men to apply for cadet training[23]

– | Lt. Col. Paul A. Rittelmann | April 8, 1966

January 17, 1967

| Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Purdy
8 | Col. Frank McKetta | January 17, 1967

January 25, 1971[b]

| Appointed by Governor Shafer, previously led the Federal Protective Service
9 | Col. Rocco P. Urella  | January 25, 1971

January 2, 1973[b]

| Permitted the enlistment of female troopers in 1971[24]
10 | Col. James D. Barger  | January 2, 1973

February 15, 1977[b]

| Began construction of the new state police headquarters[25]
11 | Col. Paul J. Chylak  | February 15, 1977

March 1, 1979[b]

| Chylak initiated the State Police Aerial Reconnaissance and Enforcement, also known as (S.P.A.RE.)[26]
12 | Daniel F. Dunn[k] | March 1, 1979

May 16, 1984[l]

| In June 1980, Dunn made the .357 Ruger, a stainless steel, four inch barrel revolver, the new standard sidearm[27]
– | Lt. Col. Cyril J. Laffey | May 16, 1984

December 1, 1984[f]

| Served as acting commissioner following the death of Dunn
– | Lt. Col. Nicholas Dellarciprete | December 1, 1984

March 6, 1985

| Served as acting commissioner following the resignation of Laffey
13 | Col. Jay Cochran Jr.[28] | March 6, 1985

January 30, 1987[b]

| Under Cochran's leadership, the agency developed new uniforms, a new shoulder patch, and multiple offices were renamed[29]
14 | Col. John K. Schafer  | January 30, 1987

August 3, 1987[l]

| Schafer served as commissioner for only a brief period due to an unfortunate illness which resulted in his death in August 1987[30]
15 | Col. Ronald M. Sharpe  | August 3, 1987

April 23, 1991[b]

| First African American to hold the position of commissioner, appointed by Governor Casey[31][32]
16 | Col. Glenn A. Walp  | April 23, 1991

January 17, 1995[b]

| Under the leadership of Walp, on July 31, 1993, the Pennsylvania State Police became the largest accredited police agency in the world. The department had to comply with 773 professional police standards[33]
– | Maj. James B. Hazen | January 17, 1995

February 15, 1995

| Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Walp
17 | Col. Paul J. Evanko | February 15, 1995

March 24, 2003[b]

| Appointed by Governors Ridge and Schweiker
18 | Col. Jeffrey B. Miller | March 24, 2003

August 8, 2008[f]

| Promoted from Major, appointed by Governor Rendell
– | Lt. Col. Frank E. Pawlowski | August 9, 2008

October 7, 2008[m]

| Served as acting commissioner following the resignation of Miller. Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on October 7, 2008[34][35]
19 | Col. Frank E. Pawlowski | October 7, 2008

January 7, 2011[b]

| Promoted from Lieutenant Colonel, appointed by Governor Rendell
– | Francis Noonan | January 18, 2011

April 12, 2011[m]

| Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Pawlowski. Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on April 12, 2011
20 | Col. Francis Noonan | April 12, 2011

August 3, 2015[b]

| Former FBI Agent, appointed by Governor Corbett
– | Col. Marcus Brown | August 3, 2015

December 9, 2015[n]

| Failed to be confirmed by the senate, appointed by Governor Wolf[36]
21 | Col. Tyree C. Blocker | December 9, 2015[n]

March 23, 2018[b]

| Former PSP Major, appointed by Governor Wolf
– | Lt. Col. Robert Evanchick | March 24, 2018

June 4, 2019[m]

| Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Blocker. Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on June 4, 2019
22 | Col. Robert Evanchick | June 4, 2019

January 19, 2023[b]

| Former Deputy Commissioner of Operations, appointed by Governor Wolf
– | Maj. Christopher L. Paris | January 19, 2023

March 9, 2023[m]

| Served as acting commissioner following the retirement of Evanchick.[37] Confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on March 9, 2023[38]
23 | Col. Christopher L. Paris | March 9, 2023[39]

present[o]

| Former PSP Major, appointed by Governor Shapiro

## Traditions

[edit]

Pennsylvania Constabulary 1905 Pennsylvania Constabulary at McKee's Rock 1909

* PSP Troopers are widely recognized for wearing the strap of their winter campaign hats under their chins, a tradition that goes back to the early 1900s, which was based on British and Irish Bobbies.
* The PSP is one of only a handful of state police agencies that do not wear badges on their uniforms.
* The PSP was nationally recognized as the premiere state police agency in the early years of the 20th century. State troopers from North Carolina and Kentucky attended the training academy so they could start PSP-style state agencies in their respective states. NC trooper cadets at the academy in Raleigh and KY trooper cadets in Frankfort are frequently reminded they have a familial connection to the PSP through their training process history.[citation needed]
* The PSP was patterned after a military organization and PSP troopers have sometimes been referred to as "Soldiers of the Law and Order".[40] Divisions of the force are called "troops", and officers are known as "troopers", a title usually reserved for members of the United States Cavalry, and reminiscent of the early beginnings of the department when officers patrolled on horseback. Regional headquarters, at which single troopers were once required to live, are referred to as "barracks". The original concept was that the troopers did not apply to join the PSP but "enlisted" for two-year periods, after which they could be honorably discharged or apply for reenlistment. The longstanding two-year enlistment periods were phased out in 1961.
* Married men were initially barred from becoming state troopers. After 1927, troopers were allowed to marry after they had completed their first two-year enlistment if they had approval from the police superintendent. The PSP allowed married men to enlist in 1963.[41]
* PSP does not allow ride-alongs. Even state police cadets cannot "ride along" prior to graduating the academy. This is done for numerous safety and liability reasons.[42]

## Misconduct and controversy

[edit]

2000

Trooper Michael Evans pleaded guilty in October 2000 to sexual crimes committed against six women and teenage girls while on duty. He was sentenced to between five and ten years in custody.[43][44]

2007

In September, 2007, Trooper Kevin Foley was arrested for the murder of a dentist, Dr. John Yelenic, in Blairsville, Pennsylvania.[45]

2008

In July, 2008, Trooper Kevin Coleman was charged with protecting a prostitution ring based out of the Gables Truck Stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.[46]

2009

In May 2009, Trooper Shawn Dillard was found guilty by a federal court of using his position to protect an interstate prostitution ring based out of the Gables Truck Stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This was the same investigation that led to the arrest of Trooper Coleman.[47]

2011

In early 2011, as a result of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, the state police agreed to stop issuing tickets to people who swear. Press reports indicated the state police had issued as many as 700 such citations a year.[48]

2012

In January 2012, Lieutenant Barry Eugene Staub, the commander of the state police barracks in York was arrested for driving while drunk. He retired when charges were brought against him.[49]

2014

In March, 2014 Trooper Barry M Seafoss Jr. pleaded guilty to killing a woman while driving drunk in 2012. He was sentenced to between six and 23 months' confinement.[50]

2017

Trooper Ryan Luckenbaugh was sentenced by Judge Scott A. Evans to 9 to 22 months in county prison on his official oppression, simple assault and harassment convictions. Luckenbaugh kicked a handcuffed man in the face while the man sat on the sidewalk and lied about it on official reports.[51]

2021

Trooper Robert E. Covington Jr., of Olyphant, PA, for his alleged involvement in illegal activity occurring at Sinners Swing Gentlemen's Club in Mayfield Borough, Lackawanna County. Covington, 48, is a 13-year veteran of PSP and was assigned to the Bureau of Gaming Enforcement, Pocono Downs Wilkes-Barre Office. He had been on restricted duty during the investigation and is currently suspended without pay pending resolution of the charges against him.

Multiple Troopers Facing Charges[inappropriate external link?]

2022

Trooper Joshua Ravel from the York barracks was charged with DUI while on duty after he showed up for his shift and drove from York to Lancaster and back for a special assignment. He was taken to the supervisors office where he appeared under the influence, and a chemical breath test revealed his blood alcohol content to be .144. A review of the dash camera footage from his cruiser showed he was unable to maintain his lane of travel several times during the drive.[citation needed]

Trooper Joshua Burney from the Lewis Run barracks in McKean county was charged with DUI while on duty after a colleague noticed he smelled of alcohol and had red, glossed over eyes. Trooper Burney was taken back to the barracks where preliminary field sobriety tests and a breath test showed signs of impairment. A blood draw test showed his blood alcohol content to be .086. A review of the dash camera footage from his cruiser showed he was unable to maintain his lane of travel several times during his response to an emergency call in Mount Jewett Borough.[citation needed]

Both troopers were suspended without pay pending to outcome of their cases. Trooper Burney was the second trooper to be charged with DUI on duty within 4 months along with Trooper Ravel. Both were on the job for the PA State Police for less than 2 years. Trooper Ravel graduated from the academy in June 2020, and Trooper Burney graduated August 2021.[citation needed]

2023

Trooper Michael J. Brown stationed at the Mansfield barracks was charged with vehicular homicide. An investigation into a crash indicated he attempted to pass a vehicle illegally across the double yellow lines on U.S. Route 6 in Sullivan Township in February. As a result, Brown's vehicle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, struck an oncoming GMC Acadia, killing the driver, 47-year-old Christine Woodward.

Pa. trooper involved in crash that killed Troy teacher charged with vehicular homicide[inappropriate external link?]

## In popular culture

[edit]

* H. Beam Piper's 1965 science fiction novel Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen's eponymous character begins the story as a PSP Trooper.
* An undercover PSP Trooper played by Sarah Jessica Parker co-stars with Bruce Willis playing a Pittsburgh Police River Rescue Squad officer in the 1993 movie Striking Distance.
* A PSP Trooper is played by Harland Williams in the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.
* The PSP were featured in the sixth-season CSI: NY episode "Redemptio" as well as the ninth-season Law & Order episode titled "Hate".
* The PSP is featured in the 2004 TV film Boa vs. Python.
* Featured in the 1997 movie For Richer or Poorer.
* Stephen King's novel From a Buick 8 features Troop D in a fictional town named Statler.
* The PSP were featured in the 2010 movie Unstoppable, in which a runaway train passes through numerous townships within the state of Pennsylvania.
* Multiple PSP troopers and the department were featured in the Netflix series Evil Genius, which covered the murder of Brian Wells and the bank heist surrounding it.
* PSP Criminal Investigators were featured in the first-season episode of TV series Cold Case Files, titled "Little Girl Lost".
* PSP featured extensively, including fairly accurate depictions of uniforms and vehicles, in the film Angel Has Fallen.

## See also

[edit]

* Pennsylvania portal

* List of law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania
* List of Pennsylvania state agencies
* State Police of Crawford and Erie Counties, a separate volunteer organization predating the PA State Police
* Pennsylvania Capitol Police
* Highway patrol
* State patrol
* State police

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "QuickFacts: Pennsylvania". U.S. Census Bureau. July 1, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
2. ^ a b "Pennsylvania State Police Appropriation Hearings 2022-23 Budget Request".
3. ^ "About the Pennsylvania State Police". Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
4. ^ "PA Trooper".
5. ^ "PA Trooper".
6. ^ a b Klibanoff, Eleanor (2016-05-04). "Half of Pa. municipalities rely fully on state police". WHYY-TV. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
7. ^ "State Police Coverage of Municipalities" (PDF). Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2019-02-15. p. 2/6. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
8. ^ "State Police Coverage of Municipalities" (PDF). Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2019-02-15. p. 1/6. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
9. ^ The Pennsylvania State Police (2008), PSP Bureau and Office Website Listing, retrieved 2008-12-27
10. ^ Kidd, R. Spencer (2012). Uniforms of the U.S. State Police & Highway Patrols. lulu.com. p. 11\. ISBN 978-1-4717-7729-5. OCLC 929822564.[self-published source]
11. ^ "Aviation".
12. ^ "Home".
13. ^ PA State Police Remains Largest Accredited Police Agency in the World PR Newswire. Retrieved 12-08-2014.
14. ^ "Home".
15. ^ Pennsylvania State Police Leadership, Superintendents and Commissioners since 1905, retrieved 2011-03-05
16. ^ "PSP-HEMC-Pennsylvania State Police History 3". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
17. ^ "Major Lynn G. Adams". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
18. ^ "Major Lynn G. Adams". Pennsylvania State Police Museum. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
19. ^ "Captain Charles H. Quarles". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
20. ^ "Colonel Lynn G. Adams". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
21. ^ "Colonel Cecil M. Wilhelm". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
22. ^ "Colonel Frank G. McCartney". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
23. ^ "Colonel E. Wilson Purdy". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
24. ^ "Colonel Rocco P. Urella". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
25. ^ "Colonel James D. Barger". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
26. ^ "Colonel Paul J. Chylak". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
27. ^ "Commissioner Daniel F. Dunn". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
28. ^ "PSP-HEMC: Pennsylvania State Police Leadership".
29. ^ "Colonel Jay Cochran Jr". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
30. ^ "Colonel John K. Schafer". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
31. ^ "Colonel Ronald M. Sharpe". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
32. ^ "PSP-HEMC-Pennsylvania State Police History 3". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
33. ^ "Colonel Glenn A. Walp". psp-hemc.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
34. ^ "Ex-Troop J head nets top job with state police". Intelligencer Journal. 2008-07-12. p. 13. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
35. ^ "Colonel Frank E. Pawlowski - Polish Police Association 2010 Person of the Year" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-04-22.
36. ^ "Senate rejects nomination and denies confirmation of Marcus Brown as State Police Commissioner". fox43.com. 2015-06-08. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
37. ^ "Five More Cabinet Posts Filled By Shapiro". politicspa.com. 2023-01-15. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
38. ^ "Senate Confirms Henry, Paris To Key Posts". politicspa.com. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
39. ^ "Executive Nominations Information - Paris, Major Christopher". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
40. ^ "Call of Honor". Pennsylvania State Police. Retrieved 2023-08-07.
41. ^ The Pennsylvania State Police (April 2003), PSP: PSP History 1900 to 1940, retrieved 2008-12-25
42. ^ "The page 'faq.html' was not found".
43. ^ Alleged trooper sex acts listed Accusations of sexual misconduct on the Pa. state police force are outlined in a court filing, by Chris Gray, Philadelphia Inquirer, 14 June 2003, INQUIRER
44. ^ Trooper Pleads Guilty Michael Evans Gets 5-10 Years For Sexually Abusing 3 Girls, 3 Women, by Joseph P Ferry, 4 October 2000, The Morning Call
45. ^ Trooper arrested in dentist's killing, by Jim McKinnon, 28 September 2007 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
46. ^ Officer 2nd charged in prostitution inquiry, by Pete Shellem, 4 July 2008 Patriot News
47. ^ FBI press release "Former Pennsylvania State Trooper Convicted" dated 16 May 2009
48. ^ What the .... It's not illegal to swear at a state police officer, by the Associated Press, January 04, 2011
49. ^ Commander of York County state police barracks retires after DUI charge, by MIKE ARGENTO, 6 January 2012, Daily Record/Sunday News
50. ^ Ex-Trooper get jail time for fatal Upper Dublin Crash, by Margret Gibbons, 4 March 2014, The Intelligencer
51. ^ Ex-state trooper gets prison term for kicking handcuffed Harrisburg activist in the face, 18 April 2017, PennLive

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Known as "Superintendent of The Pennsylvania State Police" until June 29, 1937 when it was renamed "Commissioner of The Pennsylvania Motor Police" following the merger of the state police and highway patrol.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Retired.
3. ^ a b c It is unknown for how long they served in the acting capacity.
4. ^ On May 18, 1923 the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol was established. It would later by merged with the Pennsylvania State Police.
5. ^ On August 25, 1922, Adams bestowed upon the Deputy Superintendent the rank of Major;[18] (This was the initial use of that rank in the Department's history)
6. ^ a b c d Resigned.
7. ^ Following the merger of the state police and highway patrol on June 29, 1937, the position of superintendent was combined and renamed "Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Motor Police".
8. ^ Following the merger of the two departments, the new commissioner appointed himself "Colonel", and the deputy commissioner as "Lieutenant Colonel".
9. ^ a b Continued service under the renamed department.
10. ^ On April 28, 1943, Act 52 renamed the department to the Pennsylvania State Police, and as a result the commissioner became known as the "Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police".
11. ^ Dunn held no paramilitary rank and did not wear a uniform while serving as Commissioner.
12. ^ a b Died in office.
13. ^ a b c d Confirmed by the senate.
14. ^ a b Brown failed to be confirmed by the state senate and after a brief standoff between the senate and the newly-elected governor, Tom Wolf, his nomination was revoked and Wolf instead nominated Tyree Blocker for commissioner. During this time, Brown stayed on as acting commissioner.
15. ^ Paris was confirmed as Commissioner by the senate on March 9, 2023. Officially, his term is set to expire on January 19, 2027.

## External links

[edit]

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