DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Trooper Jacques “Jay” Rougeau Jr. was honored at the Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters on Thursday by adding his name to the long line of officers who died in the line of duty.
The ceremony comes on the 119th anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Police becoming a uniformed police organization.
“Our fallen troopers make the ultimate sacrifice for Pennsylvania – and while today we gather and honor their life in service, we must also reaffirm every day that we never forget,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
Trooper Jay is the 104th name on the memorial wall at PSP.
Also in attendance were family members of Trooper Jay and the fallen officers who came before him. Chloe Rougeau, the widow, of Rougeau was in attendance with family and friends.
According to Gov. Shapiro, Chloe had called on him to make an effort to protect police and stop gun violence.
“We owe it to Chloe. We owe it to all of you, who are here to mourn a loved one,” said Gov. Shapiro. He added, “We owe it to you to make sure that we are always there for you and that we support the work that our law enforcement does day in and day out.”
Trooper Rougeau was assigned to Troop G, Lewistown Station when he was fatally shot on June 17, 2023. Trooper Rougeau enlisted in June 2020 as a member of the 160th cadet class and served nearly three years with the State Police.
He was 29 years old.
Colonel Paris presented the Pennsylvania State Police Cross to Trooper Rougeau’s wife. The award is presented to the next of kin of members who lost their lives under honorable circumstances in the performance of duty.
“I am humbled and honored to pay tribute to Tpr. Jacques Rougeau Jr. and the 103 other members of the Pennsylvania State Police who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Their dedication and service will always be remembered.”
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