SHAMOKIN, Pa. — Members of the Shamokin City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies stood at attention, paying their respects at the memorial of Corporal David Witmer, who was shot and killed in the line of duty 40 years ago.
"Life can be very short, and with law enforcement officers, you never know what's around that corner," said Chief Raymond Siko, Shamokin City Police Department.
On November 13th, 1983, Corporal Witmer became the first and only cop in the city's history to be killed in the line of duty. A day former officer Marlon Marose who served with Witmer, still recalls.
"One of the other officers called me and told me what had happened, and with that, I think every member of the police department ended up at the station, you know, 10 minutes later," said Marlon Marose, former Shamokin City Police officer.
According to investigators, Preston Pfifley fatally shot Corporal Whitmer.
Prosecutors say Pfifley was drunk and had set a garage on fire, and was trying to escape when Witmer showed up to help other police officers.
"When it came down to the job, Dave was the ultimate police officer. I cannot say anything bad about that man. He deserves everything he's getting," said Ronald Yeager, former Shamokin City Police officer.
Pfifley was convicted of first-degree murder and died in prison back in 2013.
Since his passing, Witmer's name now represents the ultimate sacrifice. A reminder and inspiration for the area's future law enforcement.
"His legacy will live as long as there's a police department here; nobody will ever let anyone forget about it," said Patrolman David Sage, Coal Township Police Department.