HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania State Police recently announced that three state troopers have received the Pennsylvania Narcotics Officers’ Association Heroism Award.
State Police Cpl. Dennis D. Ulery of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation – Drug Law Enforcement Division, Cpl. Joseph Alessandro of Troop A – Greensburg and Trooper Dustin Sosak of Troop G – Hollidaysburg were presented the award for their selfless actions in rescuing Trooper Bradley Wilson, who was shot during the execution of a drug search warrant on Sept. 26, 2013.
This is only the fourth time in the Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers’ Association 25-year history that the Heroism Award has been given out.
“Had it not been for the actions of these three men foregoing their own safety, Trooper Wilson would have likely died at the scene,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.
On Sept. 26, 2013, a Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Laboratory Response Team (CLRT) was assisting the Troop C Vice Unit and the Jefferson County Drug Task Force with the execution of a drug search warrant.
As two Troop C Vice Unit members and Wilson approached the front door, a single gunshot was heard. Wilson fell to the ground outside the residence, near the porch. Ulery immediately rushed to Wilson and was rendering aid to him when a second gunshot was fired from the suspect, striking Wilson a second time. Both rounds struck Wilson in the upper chest/neck area.
As troopers and officers from the Jefferson County Drug Task Force used suppression fire, Alessandro and Sosak gave up their cover and pulled Wilson away from the line of fire and moved him to a secure location. Wilson was airlifted to an Altoona hospital, where he was stabilized, and eventually transported to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
“The exemplary actions of Corporal Ulery, Corporal Alessandro and Trooper Sosak upheld the highest standards of the Pennsylvania State Police. Their heroic actions truly represent courage, and I am honored to have them among the ranks of Pennsylvania’s finest,” Noonan said.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.state.pa.us.