Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor Jr. Honored As Pennsylvania State Police Commemorate 121st Anniversary

HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Police honored the life and sacrifice of Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor Jr. during a memorial ceremony at PSP headquarters, commemorating the agency’s 121st anniversary.

The ceremony paid tribute to Corporal O’Connor and all members who have died in the line of duty.

“Our fallen troopers made the ultimate sacrifice for Pennsylvania, and it’s important that we take days like today to gather and honor their life in service, and to reaffirm that we never forget brave troopers like Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., and we will always be there for his family,” Shapiro said. “The women and men of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work every single day, running towards danger when others are running away to protect our communities and make them safer.”

Acting Commissioner George L. Bivens said the ceremony honored not only the fallen troopers but also their families.

“I am both humbled and honored to pay tribute to Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr. and the 104 other members of the Pennsylvania State Police who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Bivens said. “The 105 names etched into the wall represent not only the individual troopers who died in service to the Commonwealth but also reflect the sacrifices of their family members and loved ones who continue to endure their loss.”

Corporal O’Connor was assigned to Troop J, Embreeville Station, when he was fatally shot on March 8, 2026. He enlisted in September 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class and served 15 years with the State Police. He was 40 years old.

During the ceremony, Bivens presented the Pennsylvania State Police Cross to O’Connor’s wife, Casey. The award is given posthumously to the next of kin of a member whose life was lost under honorable circumstances in the performance of duty.

The service also included a reading of the 105 names on the Pennsylvania State Police Memorial Wall, a moment of silence, participation from the PSP Ceremonial Unit, and a rifle salute.

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