SHAMOKIN --Dozens of members of law enforcement lined up at a memorial in honor of a fallen brother, Shamokin Police Cpl. David Witmer, at a ceremony Wednesday night.
Witmer was killed in the line of duty 30 years ago. He was the only police officer to die on the job in the city`s history.
In his honor, a retired Shamokin police corporal, Robert Wolfe, read a poem.
Witmers`s daughter and her family put a wreath at the memorial.
They were too emotional to speak.
"He left behind a good family, his grandkids are good athletes, that was all taken away from him, the family," said Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths.
Investigators said in 1983, Preston Pfeifly shot and killed Cpl. Witmer.
Prosecutors said Pfeifly was drunk, had just set a garage on fire and was trying to escape when Witmer showed up to help other police officers.
"You just can`t believe that time went by that fast, 30 years ago, but it did and we`re all here. He`s not, but I know he`s here tonight," said Coal Township Patrolman David Sage.
Pfeifly was convicted of first degree murder and died in October in state prison.
Tony Rosini is the district attorney in Northumberland County.
He called Witmer a good friend and spoke at the ceremony.
"He lived life to the fullest. He was great to be around, and he would not want us mourning him. He would want us to remember him as he lived," said Rosini.