The Pennsylvania State Police hosted its annual department awards ceremony at Bishop McDevitt High School to recognize the extraordinary heroism and exceptional work of dedicated Troopers, personnel, and community members who helped to keep Pennsylvania safe over the last year.
“This awards ceremony is an opportunity to honor the dedicated women and men who went above and beyond to uphold PSP’s mission to seek justice, preserve peace, and improve the quality of life for all across our Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “These individuals are an inspiration for all of us, and I am deeply proud of their unwavering commitment, selflessness, and courage to serve and protect Pennsylvanians.”
Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William K. Jenkins, III, both of Troop R, Gibson, as well as Lucas C. Amarose and Thomas R. Pack, both of Troop H, Chambersburg, were awarded the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart for injuries they sustained in the line of duty.
On August 7, 2025, Troopers Perechinsky and Jenkins were called to a home in Susquehanna County after a woman was fatally shot by her neighbor. As soon as they arrived on the scene, the Troopers were immediately ambushed by gunfire. Trooper Perechinski was shot in the chest and back, while Trooper Jenkins was struck in the hand, forearm, and shoulder. Although they endured substantial injuries, both men moved to cover, rendered aid to one another, and directed responding law enforcement and personnel into tactically advantageous positions to help protect them on the scene and prevent further tragedy.
On October 8, 2025, Troopers Pack and Amarose responded to a retail theft in Franklin County. While heading to the scene, they spotted the suspect vehicle on I-81, and a pursuit ensued. Spike strips were deployed and successfully stopped the fleeing vehicle. Two of the occupants were apprehended. A third individual, armed with a handgun, exchanged gunfire with PSP, resulting in Trooper Pack being shot multiple times in the leg, and Trooper Amarose sustaining gunshot wounds to his elbow and pelvis. Despite suffering significant injuries, both Troopers refused to quit, staying in the fight until they stopped the threat and the public was safe.
Dr. Vincent Barnhart, who was leaving work at a nearby medical facility at the time, became aware of the shooting and, despite the dangers, quickly responded to the scene to provide care to Troopers Pack and Amarose until medical personnel arrived. Dr. Barnhart received the Outstanding Citizenship Award for his selfless actions.
The Trooper of the Year Award was presented to Troopers David M. Bair, of Troop M, Trevose, as well as Christopher M. Cleveland and Jordan H. Rhodes, both of Troop M, Dublin, for their commitment to solving a more than 60-year-old homicide case.
The investigation involved a nine-year-old girl in Bucks County who was sexually assaulted and murdered in 1962, which remained unsolved for decades. Troopers Bair, Cleveland, and Rhodes worked tirelessly over the last several years to build on previous evidence, develop new leads, and use advanced technology to prove who killed the child. Even though the murderer died years earlier, the Troopers’ unwavering dedication, professionalism, and persistence brought justice to the victim’s family.
