Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Add to My HeroesPaul Garmong Richey
Trooper Paul Richey was shot and killed when he and another trooper responded to a domestic disturbance call in Cranberry Township, Venango County, at 11:45 am.
Both troopers arrived at the scene and exited their vehicles. As they approached the house, a male voice called from a window for the Troopers to return to their cars. The troopers then ordered the man to show himself and at that point Trooper Richey was hit in the neck with a .30-30 rifle round fired from the window of the residence. The other Trooper immediately returned fire to provide cover to get to Trooper Richey.
Upon the arrival of additional troopers, two Troopers provided cover fire while additional troopers removed Trooper Richey from the scene. Trooper Richey was transported to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Northwest Hospital, Seneca, Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect then murdered his wife before committing suicide. Investigators found three guns in the bedroom: a .30-.30 Marlin rifle with a scope, a .22-caliber rifle with a scope and a 12-gauge shotgun.
Trooper Richey had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 16.5 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 16 years, 7 months
- Badge 7201
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 366 ReflectionsLord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 11, 2024
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