HARRISBURG — Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, issued the following statement in response to the fatal shooting of Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor in Chester County:
“Last night, Pennsylvania lost a brave and faithful servant of our commonwealth.
“Cpl. Tim O’Connor, a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, was conducting a traffic stop in Chester County after reports of a vehicle driving erratically. As he approached the vehicle, the suspect opened fire, tragically taking Cpl. O’Connor’s life. The suspect then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance and cowardly took his own life in what appears to be a murder-suicide.
“There are no words sufficient for a loss like this. What should have been a routine moment of service ended in unimaginable tragedy. It is a painful reminder that every time our law enforcement officers put on the uniform, they accept risks most of us will never fully understand. They stand watch over our communities, often in the quiet moments and ordinary places, protecting strangers they may never meet.
“Cpl. O’Connor leaves behind his loving wife, Casey, their young daughter, and his parents, Maureen and Tim. Our hearts are deeply broken for them. The loss of a husband, a father, a son and a protector leaves a space that can never truly be filled.
“Rebbie and I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Casey, their daughter, his parents Maureen and Tim, and to the entire Pennsylvania State Police family who are mourning the loss of a brother in uniform. We pray that God surrounds them with His comfort, peace and strength in the difficult days ahead.
“Scripture reminds us that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ Cpl. O’Connor lived that calling through his service and sacrifice.
“Please join Rebbie and me in lifting Cpl. O’Connor’s family, friends and fellow troopers up in prayer. May the Lord receive Cpl. O’Connor into His eternal peace, and may we never forget the sacrifice he made in the line of duty for all of us.”
CONTACT: Don Beishl