Fallen law enforcement officials in Pennsylvania were honored Monday.
The Fraternal Order of Police held its annual memorial service in Harrisburg to remember those killed in the line of duty. Five officers who died on the job last year, were honored, including Patrolman John Wilding of the Scranton Police Department. He was killed after falling from a wall while chasing robbery suspects.
The five names will all be added to a memorial in Washington D.C.
Governor Wolf spoke at the service.
"I am humbled by the sacrifice and spirit of these remarkable soldiers of the law who pledged to lay down their lives, rather than swerve from the path of duty. Now at the end of their day, may their souls rest in peace," Wolf said.
In Luzerne County, troopers at the state police barracks in Wyoming held a memorial for the fallen at their barracks and all over the state.
"It really is a tremendous responsibility that we have to remember people who have made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives to the service of the commonwealth and protect the citizens of Pennsylvania," said Capt. Robert Bartal of the Pennsylvania State Police.
96 state troopers have made that ultimate sacrifice, including 10 from the state police barracks at Wyoming.
"We all pray that we can go year to year without adding another member’s name to that sacred wall in Hershey," Bartal added.
Since September 2014, state police have not had to add another name to the list of fallen officers, but it is still tough for some remembering those they served with.
In his 24 years with state police out of the Wyoming barracks, retired Sergeant Chester Zaremba personally knew five officers who were killed in the line of duty.
"It's very tough when you look at the name, when you hear their name called in roll call, and you knew that you worked with them," he said.
Zaremba is among the dozen or so retired officers who still honors a state police officer's duty and comes to this memorial every year.
“We sort of give thanks that it wasn't us and honor those who made that supreme sacrifice."
