There have been 21 law enforcement line of duty deaths in Erie County history

Erie Times-News
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Corry native Jacques Rougeau, a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police, was fatally shot in central Pennsylvania while on duty on Saturday. He is the 104th member of the state police to die in the line of duty.

Remembered: Corry native Jacques 'Jay' Rougeau lived dream of being state trooper, died in line of duty

In Erie County, there have been 21 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, 14 of whom were members of the Erie Bureau of Police.

Erie's fallen officers:

  • Detective Sgt. James Higgins, May 14, 1905

  • Detective Sgt. John T. Grant, Nov. 22, 1912

  • Patrolman Joseph J. Jurcak, Oct. 16, 1918

  • Patrolman Richard V. Mahoney, Oct. 31, 1928

  • Sgt. Leo J. Waldinger, Nov. 26, 1949

  • Patrolman Walter R. May, Nov. 30, 1949

  • Patrolman Samuel A. Macrino, April 8, 1962

  • Patrolman Melvin L. Wilcox, May 4, 1979

  • Cpl. Robert G. Owen, Dec. 29, 1980

  • Patrolman Donald W. Parker Jr., May 23, 1985

  • Patrolman Richard J. Burchick, Feb. 6, 1991

  • Patrolman Michael Conway, Aug. 11, 2018

  • Patrolman Jason M. Belton, Oct. 24, 2021

  • Detective Sgt. Gary R. Taccone, Nov. 3, 2021

DA Elizabeth Hirz: Police are 'our guardians,' never forget their sacrifice and service

Other law enforcement officers in Erie County who have died:

  • North East Patrolman James Albey, Nov. 10, 1910

  • Presque Isle Patrolman George Kruth, Sept. 15, 1932

  • Presque Isle Patrolman William Paradine, Sept. 15, 1932

  • Harry T. Merrill, Nov. 11, 1945

  • Edinboro Police Chief William Tyler, Aug. 11, 1947

  • Union City Patrolman John J. Kerr, Jan. 14, 1990

  • Presque Isle Sgt. Anthony J. Freitas, Nov. 18, 1992

2020: Motorcycle club honors fallen law enforcement officers in Erie County

Source: Officer Down Memorial Page (odmp.org)

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Law enforcement line of duty deaths in Erie County PA