Fraternal Order of Police #62

01/16/2026

💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🇺🇸

01/13/2026

Matthew R. Bond was born August 8, 1971, in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

He was raised in Meadville and graduated from Edinboro University in 1994. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police on September 25, 1995, a member of the 98th Cadet Class to graduate from the Academy in Hershey. Following graduation on March 22, 1996, Trooper Bond was assigned to Troop B, Belle Vernon, and transferred to Troop E, Erie, on September 5, 1998.

In his short tenure with the State Police, Trooper Bond epitomized the image of the Department. He was awarded the State Police Medal of Honor by Commissioner Paul J. Evanko during a ceremony on August 27, 1999, for his role in attempting to rescue a woman and her young daughter who were trapped in their burning home in Harborcreek Township, Erie County, on December 5, 1998.

Trooper Bond was critically injured on Thursday, January 13, 2000, when the marked police vehicle in which he was a passenger was rammed from the rear on Interstate 90 in Harborcreek Township, Erie County. Trooper William Stuckey, operator of the vehicle, had pulled onto the berm so the Troopers could assist a motorist whose vehicle had slid into the median. Trooper Stuckey was released after treatment at Hamot Medical Center but Trooper Bond had received massive injuries and died on Friday, January 14, 2000.

A memorial service held on January 17 at Edinboro University's McComb Fieldhouse was attended by family, friends and hundreds of law enforcement officers from throughout the state and from as far away as Delaware and Michigan.

Governor Tom Ridge called the death of Trooper Bond a tragic loss for the people of Pennsylvania. He stated,

"Although he was only 28 years old, Trooper Bond already had distinguished himself as an outstanding law enforcement officer and public servant."

He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Shelly) L. Bond of Erie; his mother, Mrs. Vicki Chandler, and his father, Mr. Daniel Bond, both of Meadville; a sister, Valerie L. Bond of Pittsburgh; and a stepbrother, James M. Chandler of North Carolina. Only 28 years old, he had served four years and four months with the Pennsylvania State Police.

01/13/2026

Paul G. Richey was born on August 29, 1969, to parents Clinton “Sam” Richey and Nancy Garmong Richey. In 1988, Paul graduated from Franklin High School, and in 1992, from Edinboro University.

Paul enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police on May 17, 1993, and entered the 91st Cadet Class. He and his class completed training on November 10, 1993. Upon graduation, Trooper Richey was assigned to the Patrol Unit at Troop F, Milton, Northumberland County. He transferred to Troop E, Corry, on October 19, 1996, and to the Troop E, Franklin station on May 17, 1997.

Trooper Richey lost his life on January 13, 2010, as a result of a gunshot wound suffered while investigating a domestic disturbance. The incident began when Trooper Richey, along with Trooper Jason Whitman, responded to a call at approximately 1134 hours, regarding a domestic disturbance at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, Cranberry Township, Venango County.

The Troopers arrived at the scene at approximately 1145 hours. As they approached the house, a male voice called from a window for the Troopers to return to their car. The Troopers ordered the man to show himself.

At that point, without warning, Trooper Richey was hit with a .30-30 rifle round fired from the window of the residence. Trooper Whitman immediately returned fire to provide cover for him to get to Trooper Richey. Upon arrival of additional Troopers, Trooper Whitman and Trooper William Heasley provided cover fire while additional Troopers removed Trooper Richey from the scene. Trooper Richey was transported to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Northwest Hospital, Seneca, Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead.

Members of the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team entered the home at around 1815 hours. The actor, Michael J. Smith, and his wife, were found deceased in an upstairs bedroom, both with gunshot wounds. The investigation would reveal that Smith had murdered his wife, prior to taking his own life.

“Trooper Richey sacrificed his life rather than swerve from the path of duty,” said State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski. “We will not forget his service or his sacrifice.”

Governor Rendell noted, "A 16-year veteran of the force, Trooper Richey was struck down while carrying out his sworn duty to protect our citizens. This is a tragedy for the Pennsylvania State Police and the Commonwealth. Midge and I join with Pennsylvania's citizens in extending our deepest sympathies to Trooper Richey's wife, Carrie, and their two children. The Trooper's sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Over 2,000 law enforcement officers from states as far away as Alaska and California were in attendance at Trooper Richey’s memorial service at the Franklin Senior High School in Franklin, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 2010.

Trooper Richey is survived by his wife, Carrie, and their children; Connor, age 9, and Catherine, age 6. He is also survived by his parents, and a sister, Melissa Slack.

At 40 years of age, Trooper Richey was the 93rd member of the Department to be killed in the line of duty.

01/09/2026

On this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day—and every day—we proudly stand with and support our Troopers along with all of our fellow Law Enforcement partners!

Thank you for your service, dedication, and the daily sacrifices you make to keep our communities safe!

01/09/2026

Great teamwork by our Troopers, City of Latrobe Police Officers and Deputies of the Westmoreland County Sheriffs Department - Strong working relationships, and unfailing collaboration are the bedrock of our profession.

🚨MAN FLEES FROM LATROBE POLICE…..CAPTURED‼️‼️

🚔Tuesday evening, officers with the City of Latrobe Police attempted to arrest Shawn Prince on a warrant for simple assault. It is reported that Prince fled from officers, prompting a large police response. Prince was unable to be located.

Yesterday, Deputies with the Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit began following up on leads into the location of Prince. Through their investigation, they were led back to a residence in Latrobe. They also had information that Prince was threatening su***de and could potentially be armed.

Deputies, along with the City Latrobe Police, the Pennsylvania State Police and the City of Greensburg Police, surrounded the home on Spring Street. When Deputies approached the front door, they found that Prince had set up a barricade. They ultimately made entry into the home and found that Prince was in a bedroom that was also barricaded.

Deputies had initial communication through the door with Prince. It was confirmed that Prince was suffering from self-inflicted lacerations and he was armed with a knife.

Several canisters of OC were deployed into the bedroom from an outside window. Prince continued to refuse all commands to surrender, so Deputies forced entry into the room. They were met with a bloodied Prince who was armed with a knife. A Deputy deployed their taser to temporarily disable Prince. He was taken into custody and Officers immediately began rendering first aid.

Prince was transported to a medical facility before being taken to the Westmoreland County Prison. He was denied bail and additional charges will be filed.

We would like to thank the City of Latrobe Police, the Pennsylvania State Police and the City of Greensburg Police for their cooperation in bringing an end to this manhunt.

We would also like to say a job well done to our Fugitive Unit. They continue to perform their duties exceptionally well with their top fugitive locating skills. We are proud to have the best working for the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office.

Great job to all involved!!

🇺🇸James Albert, Sheriff🚔

01/03/2026

Over 40,000 FOP Members from Pennsylvania alone stand behind the great officers of the City of Latrobe - as they deal with countless, epic failures from their top leadership

Several law enforcement unions have raised concerns over Latrobe Police Chief Richard Bosco’s conduct following a fatal November shooting, calling for policy changes and reinstatement of titles and duties for

12/31/2025



Trooper Landon E. Weaver was born in Altoona, PA on November 11, 1993. After graduating from Central High School in 2012, he attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania before enlisting with the Pennsylvania State Police in December 2015. On June 17, 2016, he graduated the Academy and was assigned to Troop G, Huntingdon.

Trooper Weaver was killed in the line of duty on December 30, 2016, while investigating a protection from abuse (PFA) order violation. The incident began when Trooper Weaver was dispatched to a local restaurant parking lot, where it was reported a Jason Robison was gaining access to a vehicle owned by his estranged girlfriend, who had an active protection from abuse order against him and was working at the restaurant. Robison fled the scene prior to Trooper Weaver’s arrival.

Trooper Weaver, after interviewing the victim and witnesses, attempted to locate Robison. He ultimately discovered Robison at a residence located along Bakers Hollow Road, Juniata Township, Huntingdon County and interviewed him. At some point during this interaction, Robison produced a handgun, shooting and killing Trooper Weaver.

A large contingent of Troopers converged on the residence and initiated an extensive manhunt for Robison that lasted throughout the night and into the following day. On December 31, 2016 at 0950 hours, Robison was located by Troop G members in a camper not far from the scene. Robison, armed with a handgun and refusing to comply with commands, was shot and killed.

Over 2,000 law enforcement officers from across the country were in attendance for Trooper Weaver’s memorial service, held at the Blair County Convention Center.

Trooper Weaver is survived by his wife, Macy, his parents, Eric and Christine, and his brother, Larett.
At 23 years of age, Trooper Weaver was the 97th member of the Department to be killed in the line of duty. He completed one year of Pennsylvania State Police service.

Trooper Weaver is laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania.

12/25/2025

From our family to yours - Merry Christmas! May God bless and keep you!

12/12/2025

Corporal Joseph Pokorny was shot and killed following a short pursuit near an exit ramp from I-376 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, shortly after 2:00 am.

A violent struggle ensued after the driver of the vehicle crashed. During the struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Corporal Pokorny's service weapon. The suspect then shot him in the neck and chest. The round that struck him in the chest entered an area around his armpit not protected by his vest. The suspect then stole Corporal Pokorny's service weapon and fled the scene.

Several minutes later, a Carnegie police officer who happened to be driving by the scene, located Corporal Pokorny's body in a snowbank approximately 25-feet from his patrol car. A second handgun was found underneath Corporal Pokorny.

The suspect, who had been on parole for less than one month, was taken into custody later in the day and officially charged with Corporal Pokorny's murder two days later. On October 24th, 2007, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Corporal Pokorny had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 22-1/2 years, and was assigned to Troop B, Pittsburgh. He is survived by his son, daughter, and parents. His son graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police academy on March 15th, 2013.

On May 3rd, 2007, a section of I-279 was dedicated as the Corporal Joseph Raymond Pokorny Jr. Memorial Highway.

11/28/2025

Police Officer Lloyd Reed was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call at a home at 131 Ligonier Street, in New Florence. He was assisting Pennsylvania State Troopers from Troop A, Greensburg.

He was fatally shot by the subject as he arrived at the location. Despite being wounded, Officer Reed was able to return fire and wounded the subject. The man fled the scene but was arrested by members of the Pennsylvania State Police approximately six hours later suffering a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Officer Reed was transported to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The subject who shot him was acquitted of murder charges in February 2018 after arguing he shot Officer Reed in self-defense, despite the subject's own statements that he regretted that more police officers hadn't come after him and that he had run out of bullets. He was found guilty only of theft and receiving stolen property.

Officer Reed was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the St. Clair Township Police Department for five years. He had previously served with the Seven Springs Borough Police Department, Hooversville Borough Police Department, and Seward Borough Police Department for a combined total of 25 years.gnr

11/27/2025

Many blessings to each of you during this Thanksgiving!

11/09/2025

Joseph J. Sepp, Jr., was born August 23, 1968, in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

He was raised in Windber and graduated from Windber Area High School in 1986. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1991.

He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police on February 24, 1992. Following graduation from the Academy on July 16, 1992, he was assigned to Troop F, Montoursville. In May 1995 he transferred to Troop A and served at the Somerset Station until October 1996 when he transferred to Ebensburg Station.

Trooper Sepp was highly respected among his colleagues, in his community, and by anyone who knew him. His lifelong dream was to be a State Trooper.

Trooper Sepp lost his life on November 10, 2002, about 38 hours after being shot by a fleeing suspect in a high-speed chase in Ebensburg. The chase began around 1:30 a.m. on November 9 when local police pulled over Mark R. Leach, 45, of Summerhill, on state Route 160 near New Germany, Cambria County. Leach showed a weapon and drove off, with local police in pursuit. State Police were notified and Troopers Sepp and Brian Lampel were on the scene when Leach crashed his car into a utility pole in Ebensburg. Leach exited his car and fired into the car with the two Troopers, hitting Trooper Sepp in the head.

Over 1200 law enforcement officers from California to Maine were in attendance at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Windber on November 14. A solemn procession of columns of police officers marched in formation to the cemetery.

Governor Mark Schweiker noted: “Upon graduation from the State Police Academy, each Trooper promises to lay down his or her life, rather than to swerve from the path of duty. Trooper Sepp did not swerve from the path of duty, and for that every Pennsylvanian is in his debt.”

Trooper Sepp is survived by his wife, Jenny; a daughter, Amanda Jo, and two sons, Joey and Andy. He is also survived by his parents Joseph and Lana Gay Sepp, and a sister, Tina Sepp, all of Windber.

At 34 years of age, Trooper Sepp, a 10-year veteran of the Department, was the 89th member to be killed in the line of duty.