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

The Pennsylvania State Police Call of Honor reads:

I am a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a soldier of the law.

To me is entrusted the honor of the force.

I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty.

It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed or condition.

It is also my duty to be of service to anyone who may be in danger or distress, and at all times so conduct myself that the honor of the force may be upheld.

On Saturday afternoon, Trooper Jacques F. Rougeau Jr., 29, a member of the Pennsylvania State Police force since 2020, honored this call with the ultimate sacrifice.

Danger in duty: Corry native the 104th Pennsylvania State Police trooper to die in the line of duty

As a career prosecutor, I have cherished the privilege of working side by side with these brave law enforcement officers. Prosecutors reap the benefits of the dedicated and tireless efforts of law enforcement. We witness the final outcomes of their commitment and hard work. We hear the gratitude of the victims who have been given hope, a voice and justice, recognizing none of it would be possible without the daily selfless sacrifices of law enforcement officers.

Every day these men and women are asked to be on the front lines, battling violent crimes and enduring situations no one in the public should or could endure. Law enforcement officers must make split-second decisions in extremely stressful situations. They are called to homes to de-escalate domestic disputes. They are tasked with delivering devastating news of loss to family members. With equal attention, they take the time to sit with a scared senior citizen who needs someone to listen and assure him or her it will be all right.

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

Law enforcement officers experience stress and trauma many cannot fathom. This stress can take its toll on their mental and physical health, morale and families. Yet despite these trials and obstacles, officers go to work each day to face whatever situation awaits them to faithfully uphold, obey and enforce the laws of this commonwealth.

They do not have days with "light schedules." They are not able to shut the doors to their offices when the circumstances of the day overwhelm them. They cannot do the minimum requirements of their job and put in no more time or effort than absolutely necessary. They are tasked with the responsibility to honorably and impartially enforce the law, protect and serve. They are our guardians.

This is what makes them exceptional.

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

The National Fraternal Order of Police reports that as of May 31, there have been 166 officers shot in the line of duty. Of those officers shot, the report states 20 of them were killed by gunfire. Additionally, the report notes, there have been 47 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers this year, resulting in 54 officers shot and nine of whom were killed by gunfire. In a state-by-state breakdown, Pennsylvania and California each have 12 officers shot in the line of duty in 2023, the highest number in the country.

This past week, Corry, Erie County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania added our own hero to these sobering statistics.

Sacrifice is defined as the surrender of something for the sake of something else.

It is not just the officers who sacrifice. When they stand and take their oaths, their families stand with them. Family members support and encourage without reservation, while struggling with their own fears. Law enforcement officers and their families deserve enormous respect and gratitude for their unselfish service to their communities.

As it was reported, Trooper Rougeau knew he wanted to be a state trooper from a young age. He had a passion to help people; he knew his calling. That calling and resolve led him to risk his life in order to save those he had pledged to protect. It has been said, "A true officer stands and fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves who stands behind him."

Every day law enforcement officers leave their homes knowing the dangers they will face, and the reality that any given day could be their end of watch. Saturday morning, Trooper Rougeau left his home not knowing what the day would hold, but ready to do what was needed to fulfill his oath.

There is a saying: "When adversity comes to the warrior … the warrior steps into it and through it. For adversity will always come to the warrior until the day the Lord takes the warrior home."

Trooper Rougeau served with courage, compassion and selfless commitment to others. He, like others before him, laid down his life rather than swerve from the path of duty. May we never forget his and his family’s sacrifice, or take for granted the ongoing service and sacrifice of his fellow law enforcement officers.

District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz is the chief law enforcement officer of Erie County.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County DA Hirz honors service and sacrifice of Trooper Rougeau