Fallen Trooper to be Honored Sunday

Harrisburg - The family of Paul G. Richey, a state trooper who was killed in the line of duty in Venango County last year, will receive the State Police Cross during a May 1 ceremony in Hershey.

Trooper Richey will be honored during the annual state police memorial service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 1 at the State Police Academy, 175 E. Hersheypark Drive.

"Trooper Richey was a hero. This award recognizes his sacrifice and the tremendous loss suffered by his family," Commissioner Frank Noonan said. "Our annual memorial service reminds us that any of our members may be called upon to lay down his or her life rather than swerve from the path of duty."

The State Police Cross is presented posthumously to the next-of-kin of a member whose life was lost under honorable circumstances in the performance of duty.

Richey died Jan. 13, 2010, after he was shot while responding to a domestic incident in Cranberry Township, Venango County. He was the 93rd and most recent member of the department to die in the line of duty.

Among Richey's survivors are his widow, a son and a daughter.

The event is open to the public. The service also marks the 106th anniversary of the state police, which was created on May 2, 1905 by Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker.

The Pennsylvania State Police Historical, Educational and Memorial Center, located on the academy grounds, will also be open to the public after the memorial service.