State Police, Governor Shapiro Honor Fallen Troopers, Commemorate 120 Years of Service to Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG ­­– In the 120-year history of the Pennsylvania State Police, 104 state troopers have lost their lives while serving the Commonwealth.

The most recent was Trooper Jacques “Jay” F. Rougeau, of the Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown, who was killed by a gunman who had fired shots at parked patrol cars at the Lewistown Station on June 17, 2023.

During a search, the gunman shot and critically wounded Lt. James Wagner. Rougeau, who was off that day, responded to assist troopers when he was shot and succumbed to his injuries. A short time later, the gunman was located and fatally shot.

On Friday, Gov. Josh Shapiro joined the Pennsylvania State Police to honor the sacrifice of Rougeau and all department members who lost their lives in the line of duty. The memorial service at department headquarters also commemorated the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the Pennsylvania State Police.

“Our fallen troopers make 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, ever forget,” Shapiro said.

“The men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work every single day to protect and serve our communities,” Shapiro added. “Policing is a noble profession, and we need to continue to have the backs of our police. That’s why my administration is working to make historic investments in our state police. I am committed to ensuring our troopers and their families have the help and support they deserve all across our Commonwealth.”

Col. Christopher Paris, commissioner of the PSP, echoed those sentiments, “For 120 years, the women and men of Pennsylvania State Police have dedicated their lives to serving our Commonwealth. Today, we remember those who gave their lives. Our Memorial Wall bears witness to their unfaltering courage and unwavering integrity. May their legacies never fade, and may we forever strive to be worthy of their sacrifices.”

The memorial service included a reading of the 104 names on the Pennsylvania State Police Memorial Wall, a moment of silence, the PSP Ceremonial Unit and a rifle salute.

Rougeau was born in San Diego, Calif., and raised in Corry, Erie County, Pa. He graduated from Corry Area High School in 2012 and Penn State University in 2015.

Rougeau enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police on June 29, 2020, as a member of the 160th Cadet Class. Upon graduation, Rougeau was assigned to Troop J, York until his transfer to Troop G, Lewistown in March 2023.

A funeral service was held on June 27, 2023, at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The PSP was created in 1905, becoming the first uniformed police organization of its kind in the United States. Starting with just 228 men, the department has grown to nearly 4,900 enlisted women and men supported by more than 1,850 civilian employees.

An online version of the PSP Memorial Wall, including photos and biographies of each member who died in the line of duty, is available at www.pa.gov/agencies/psp/about-psp/memorial-wall.html.