Chester County proclaims National Police Week and honors trooper killed in March

The Chester County Board of Commissioners on May 13 proclaimed National Police Week and accepted a series of remarks and a citation recognizing local law-enforcement personnel.

Commissioner Mary Moskowitz read the proclamation, saying the March 8 fatal shooting of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor "deeply affected the entire Chester County community" and signing the proclamation on behalf of the board.

Bob Karen, introduced as president of the Fraternal Order of Police, thanked the commissioners for the recognition and invited community members to the memorial event honoring Corporal O'Connor. "Everyone is welcome to come where we will honor Corporal O'Connor, for his ultimate sacrifice," he said.

Sgt. Christian Yeager of the West Brandywine Township Police Department delivered a personal remembrance of O'Connor, recounting a prior response they worked on together and describing O'Connor as "fearless" and committed to using the minimum force necessary. "He was brave beyond words," Yeager said, urging officers to honor his memory through service.

Chief Mike Carroll, president of the Chester County Chiefs of Police, called the loss a blow to the county and urged continued remembrance of the trooper's sacrifice.

Why it matters: commissioners framed the proclamation as both a public memorial and a way to highlight routine policing tasks that often go unseen. The board said it will publish short videos of county departments and light the courthouse blue to spotlight everyday public-safety duties.

The meeting did not include any formal policy votes tied to the proclamation. The board moved on to other agenda items after the presentations.