This was the gun used to kill Trooper Joshua D. Miller and injure Trooper Robert Lombardo on Sunday, June 7, 2009.

The United States Attorney General accepted a plea agreement and the hearing was held in Feburary, 2011 at the United States District Court in Philadelphia. However,  Judge C. Darnell Jones II clearly noted that he was willing to impose a different sentence then the 12 month House Arrest. Therefore, Judge Jones is accepting letters. 

If you would like to submit a respectful letter asking him to impose a tougher sentence please send it to:

The Honorable C. Darnell Jones II

Judge U.S. District Court

Philadelphia Courthouse

601 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106.

If you have any questions, please email ATullo@troopersfund.org

The Act of Valor Commendation was presented to area police who put their life at risk in an act of courage, while in the performance of their job. Those honored were as follows:

Pennsylvania State Police

Corporal Norman Cramer
Corporal Vincent P. Rauss
Trooper Christopher Bonin
Trooper David Diehl

In an incident which occured in August, 2010, Swiftwater patrols responded to a home in Pine Creek Estates in Price Township where a 20 year old male who resided at this location threatening to shoot himself. Corporal Vincent Rauss and Trooper David Diehl were searching the area since it was reported the individual fled into the woods. Corporal Rauss and Trooper Diehl entered the residence to obtain additional information. It was determined that the individual was in the attic in possession of a loaded shotgun and threatened to shoot both troopers. Fortunately, both troopers were able to climb out an upstairs window.  Corporal Norman Cramer and Trooper Christopher Bonin arrived at the scene. They negotiated with the individual who peacefully surrendered. He was transported to Pocono Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.

Trooper Robert Lombardo

Trooper Robert Lombardo was traveling home at 4:00AM on Interstate 380 in Coolbaugh Township on July 30, 2010.  A serious commercial vehicle crash had just occurred behind Trooper Lombardo’s vehicle.  He never observed the crash, but heard something that sounded like an explosion and turned his vehicle around to investigate. He found a tractor trailer, which was traveling northbound on Interstate 380 had crossed over the grass median into the southbound lane and struck a jeep wrangler head-on, which was travelling southbound on Interstate 380.  The jeep, which was being driven by Kyle Henry, age 23 of Pocono Summit, caught fire entrapping Mr. Henry inside.  Trooper Lombardo used a fire extinguisher in the vehicle to put the fire out and removed Mr. Henry, who was critically injured. Trooper Lombardo’s dedication to duty and quick actions saved Mr. Henry’s life.

Pocono Township Police Department
Officer Jack Manuel
Officer Christopher Gupko
Officer Aaron Anglemeyer

Pocono Township Police Department was called to residence in Tannersville on January 26, 2010 due to a report of several men, wearing ski masks, ramming their way into the home and getting into a physical altercation with the father in the residence.

When Officer Jack Manuel, Officer Christopher Gupko and Officer Aaron Anglemeyer arrived at the scene, they observed a masked intruder in the home. The officers apprehended the suspect while he was attempting to flee out of the residence through the back door.

After apprehension, the suspect was found with a ski mask, rubber gloves and the victim’s possessions.

The officers cleared the residence to make sure there were no remaining suspects in the home. While no other suspects were found, the officers did find the father, with his face and hands bound with duct tape.

Stroud Area Regional Police Department
Officer Chris Shelly
Officer John Vogt
Officer Michael Petruzzi
Detective John Jacobson
Officer Emily Saracena

At their own peril, the following SARPD Officers Chris Shelly, John Vogt, Michael Petruzzi, John Jacobson and Emily Saracena entered the Westgate Apartment Building, a senior citizen housing multiple dwelling, located on West Main Street Stroudsburg, where the top floor had an apartment fully engulfed in flames and the hallway’s filled with smoke. Officers were able to navigate and evacuate the building saving numerous lives.

The Meritiorious Service Commendation honors law enforcement who perform an extraordinary act in the during the performance of the officer’s job. This year it was presented to Stroud Regional Police Department Officer David Singer.

While on routine patrol, Officer David Singer  observed a suspicious vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. He turned his police vehicle around to check on the vehicle.  Upon approach,  Singer witnessed the occupants commit an armed robbery at the Sunoco Gas Station on Route 611, Stroud Township. In order to ensure the safety of the victims located inside the gas station, Singer waited until the actors left the gas station and then was involved in a high speed chase that resulted in the arrests of actors involved.

Our area law enforcement serve this community each hour of each day. However, numerous times, their community service does not end when their shift is over. Often they continue to serve as coaches, mentors and tutors.

Therefore, the Community Service Award acknowledges their service. Those honored this year were as follows:

Pocono Township Police Department 

Sergeant Phil Riley

As the D.A.R.E. Officer for Pocono Elementary School, Warner Road in Tannersville, Sgt. Phil Riley (Officer Phil as he is affectionaly called by his students)  is directly responsible for teaching the 5th grade students to make healthy choices and steer clear from drugs and alcohol. He performs this task with the utmost care and dedication. Riley’s connection with the students allows them to listen and relate to his teachings. Just as important he listens to them.

 Detective James Wagner

As a little league coach, Detective James Wagner goes out to the field each practice and not only teaches his team members the rules of the game but also incorporates lessons about team work and  good ethics. His sports lessons apply directly to life’s lessons.

Stroud Area Police Department

Officer Kenneth Palmer

Officer Kenneth Palmer’s continuous duties as liaison officer for the Boy Scouts Of America (BSA) including conducting guided tours of the Stroud Area Regional Police facilities and agency practices. Groups ranging from new Cubs Scouts to Weblo Scouts of 15 to 40 people are guided by Officer Palmer
who explains in detail the operations and equipment used by Stroud Regional Police.

In every case Officer Palmer is given high praise and acclaim by Scout Leaders
and parents alike.

In addition Officer Palmer leads many memorial motorcycle gatherings through the year, ranging from benefit rides to memorial rides, often on his own time. Officer Palmer exercises great honor in this duty, ensuring his motorcycle is exceptionally clean, and that his
motor uniform is in perfect condition. Officer Palmer has been recipient of awards
because of his dedications to various chapters.

Officer Palmer is liaison to multiple Crime Watch organizations in the past, bridging the gap between law enforcement and citizens involved in the crime watch groups.

June 16, 2010

Criminal justice students from Northampton Community College’s Monroe campus participated in the 2nd Josh Miller Memorial 5K Run/Walk on June 13. All proceeds from the event went to the Trooper Joshua D. Miller Memorial Scholars…hip Fund at Northampton Community College/Monroe Campus.

Jason Grillo, Aylin Yusuf, Alfred Johnson and Dimitri Rimpel accomplished the run and “had a good time in doing so,” according to Grillo.

Tammi Robinson of Tobyhanna was the first NCC student to receive the scholarship. which was established in 2009 by the Tri-State Troopers Fund to honor the memory of Pennsylvania State Trooper Joshua Miller and to support and encourage NCC students who choose criminal justice as a career path.

This is a rare opportunity to be an eyewitness to the toughest one day race on the planet. Tough Mudder is not your average mud run or road race.  The seven mile obstacle course, designed by British Special Forces, tests one’s resilience and mental grit. Personal strength and fitness is measured not by race time but rather in simply finishing this demanding course.

All Tough Mudder sponsorship proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, which assists severely injured service men and women.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ashley Ellefson, Tough Mudder Event Coordinator at 718 618 4572 or email ashley.ellefson@toughmudder.com.

$5 DOLLAR MINIMUM DONATION COVER INCLUDES BUFFET (JAPANESE STEAK, CHICKEN, FRIED RICE, LOW MEIN) 

VERY SPECIAL INVITE TO ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, EMERGENCY SERVICES WORKERS AND FRIENDS/FAMILY
THERE WILL BE A $5 DOLLAR COVER
DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT !!!!!
PROMISES TO BE A GREAT TIME WITH GOOD PEOPLE.

 The Boys in Blue “Road Dogs” are a Class “A” Law Enforcement travel softball team, made up of players from PA/NY.

 1. Entry fees for the Road Dogs tournament schedule go towards Officers killed or injured or who become ill.

2. Entry fees also go toward the National Law enforcement Memorial Fund.

3. The Road Dogs also support the Safe Homes organization by attending a tournament @ West Point NY; proceeds go to Safe Homes National Fund

 Your support for the Nine One One (Emergency Workers) night out will help support many officers throughout the country by helping the Road Dogs with the entry fees to the selected tournaments.

Check out www.policesoftball.com and www.desakirestaurant.com  

The Road Dogs, in conjunction with the Tri-State Troopers Fund, Inc., will be hosting the Trooper Joshua D. MILLER memorial softball tournament Sept 18, 19 2010 @ Drifton softball complex, Drifton PA.

Any questions please contact: Victor Ortalano (Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officer) @ 610-849-0203 or viortalano@state.pa.us 

A memorial fund for the family of Trooper Paul Richey, who was killed in the line of duty on  January 13, 2010.

All contributions may be sent to:

Richey Memorial Fund

1st National Bank of Pennsyvlania

210 13th Street

Franklin, PA 16323

It was only a few years earlier that Model T Fords or horses were the staples of the force’s transportation.

Blanding, 95, was recently honored by the Police Benevolent Association as the oldest of more than 2,500 retired New York state troopers. And on Wednesday, the Retired New York State Police Breakfast Club toasted him at El Santiago restaurant.

Blanding, who lives in Eustis, has been joining the retired troopers group for years. He enjoys swapping stories with them, as well as reminding them what it was like when he was on patrol from 1936 to 1946.

“Back in the old days, troopers made $900 a year. You’d get a $200 increase every five years, and you maxed out at $1,900,” he said. “Things were real tight; you’re talking about the days right after the Depression.”

The hours were extreme, as well, as Blanding and the other troopers worked

24 hours a day, 27 days a month.

“When you were young and single, it was great — you didn’t mind living out of a suitcase,” Blanding said.

But after serving in the Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1945, Blanding said he wanted a more comfortable life and started his own photography business.

People like Blanding make it easy to take pride in being a New York state trooper, Marty Hockey said. The Village of Glenbrook resident formed the group six years ago as a way to provide camaraderie for retired New York state troopers living in or near The Villages. There are now 32 members, 16 of them Villagers.

“We come from all different ranks from all different areas of (New York). We get together to tell old war stories,” said Hockey, who served 38 years as a New York state trooper. “There are no dues, just breakfast.”

Edward Brouse of the Village of Country Club Hills said the group is an easy sell.

“You say ‘coffee’ and you’ll get troopers from all over the world to come here,” he joked. Brouse, who comes from a law enforcement family, served 30 years as a New York state trooper.

“I couldn’t think of anything else I would have done in my life,” Brouse said. “There was no happy medium being a trooper; you were either in or you quickly discovered that you wanted to get out.”

Hockey agreed.

“I don’t think anyone here wouldn’t do it all over again,” he said.

In addition to the local organization of retired New York state troopers, there is a club on the state level.

Village of Winifred resident Fred Goldman is president of the Florida Association of Retired Troopers, which has 325 members and meets for a reunion every March in Maitland.

“We call ourselves old FARTs,” he laughed about the group’s acronym. But the connection the troopers have with one another is more serious.

“It’s something you can’t explain — it’s like your brothers, like your family,” Goldman said.

The retired New York State Police Breakfast Club meets at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of every month at El Santiago Club.