DOWNINGTOWN (KYW Newsradio) — Hundreds of people came to Downingtown to honor a Pennsylvania state trooper who was killed in the line of duty last week.
Mourners filed into St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown over the course of Tuesday evening. Out in the parking lot, two cherry pickers held up a massive American flag, as the public gathered to view the late 40-year-old Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr.
O’Connor, a 15-year veteran of the force, was conducting a traffic stop in West Caln Township, Chester County, shortly before 8:30pm on Sunday, March 8. During that traffic stop, officials said Jesse Nathan Elks of Honey Brook shot O’Connor, then turned the gun on himself.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel showed up with his officers out of solidarity.
“It is a brotherhood and a sisterhood. These men and women get up every day, and give their lives for this job. When I walk through those church doors, I’m reminded of all the men and women we lost in the Philadelphia Police Department,” he said.
“It’s important that I bring my entire team down here to show that honor and that reverence, and tell his family that this work matters, that he mattered. And so it’s just an honor to be here.”
In a statement, Steven Polishan, the president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, called O’Connor’s death a “deep and profound loss” and a reminder of the danger of the job.
“Cpl. Tim O’Connor lived his life with honor, bravery and integrity,” Polishan wrote. “We will never allow his memory to fade because heroes are eternal.”
O’Connor is survived by his wife, Casey, and their 6-year-old daughter. A private funeral will be held Wednesday morning at St. Joseph.