Pennsylvania State Police Troop E Memorial Day ceremonies were held Tuesday at the Lawrence Park headquarters in Erie County to honor and remember fallen troopers.
Active and retired members, along with the family members of fallen troopers, were present.
Lt. Wayne C. Kline served as master of ceremonies. Opening comments were given by Area III Commander, Major William A. Teper Jr. Formal remarks were presented by Troop E Commander Captain James B. Basinger.
Lt. Kirk R. Reese, Troop E Patrol Section Commander, served as the platoon leader of Troop E members from Erie, Girard, Corry, Franklin, Warren and Meadville. All assembled in front of headquarters.
Trooper Timothy J. McConnell of PSP Girard, representing Swanson Memorial Lodge 48 near the lodge’s fallen member memorial granite stone, read the names of the eight fallen members.
The PSP Ceremonial Unit Color guard marched, taps were played, the National Anthem sung with a bagpiper filling the morning air with music. Pastor Fred Ayers of the Walnut Creek Baptist Church delivered the invocation and closing prayer.
Following ceremonies, a luncheon was held at headquarters for active, retired and fallen members’ families who attended the event.