Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today recognized with awards the exceptional deeds and services performed by employees last year. The awards, presented during a ceremony at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, included the Pennsylvania State Police Medal of Honor, the highest recognition bestowed by the Department.
"The Pennsylvania State Police Medal of Honor is presented to members distinguished by a gallant and intrepid action which goes above and beyond the call of duty," PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris said. "The action, involving risk of serious injury or loss of life, must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice."
Receiving the Medal of Honor is Trooper Johnathan H. Sutton, of Troop E, Girard. On June 25, 2022, Trooper Sutton observed an SUV exit a parking lot at a high rate of speed. As Trooper Sutton began to follow, the operator suddenly stopped in the roadway and, without warning, a passenger exited with a handgun and fired approximately 11 rounds. Trooper Sutton returned fire through the front windshield of his patrol car, compelling the suspects to retreat and flee.
Trooper Sutton pursued the SUV until it struck a parked vehicle and the occupants escaped on foot. As they fled, the passenger fired additional rounds at an Erie Police Department patrolman. It was later learned the suspects committed an armed robbery before fleeing the parking lot.
The Trooper of the Year award was presented to Trooper Jonnie W. Schooley III, of Troop D, Beaver, for his actions July 29 while apprehending a suspect who threatened people with a gun at an Aliquippa convenience store. Trooper Schooley, who was shot and seriously injured during the incident, previously was awarded the Pennsylvania State Police Purple Heart and the Commendation Medal.
The Enforcement Officer of the Year award was presented to Liquor Enforcement Officers Andrew P. Delaney and Tori T. Odom. On October 17, while conducting a minor patrol detail around liquor establishments in Bucks County, LEOs Delaney and Odom heard gunshots coming from the parking lot of a pub. LEOs Delaney and Odom immediately ran toward the gunfire and provided medical care to two gunshot victims.
The Police Communications Operator of the Year award was presented to PCO Dane W. Reighter, of Troop H, Harrisburg. On April 29, 2022, PCO Reighter overheard EMS dispatches to a tractor rollover, where the tractor had rolled on top of the operator, trapping him in a creek. PCO Reighter immediately dispatched a nearby trooper and gave directions to the location of the incident. The trooper was able to free the operator from underneath the tractor and remove him from the creek.
The Employee of the Year was presented P. Kimberly Milnes, who recently retired as Troop Administrative Manager at Troop M, Bethlehem. Milnes was recognized for leadership and work performance that far exceeded the criteria expected of her.
Commissioner's Area Command Significant Achievement Awards were presented to a group of personnel within each area command for an accomplishment that clearly distinguishes them and enhances the prestige of the department:
The Area I recipients are members of the Troop B, Washington Vice Unit who investigated and cleared a homicide, arresting a man suspected in another homicide and several shootings.
The Area II recipients are members of the Troop H, Carlisle Homicide Investigation Team who charged two suspects in a double homicide.
The Area III recipients are members of the Troop R Major Case Team who conducted a large-scale investigation that led to murder charges in the shooting death of a 17-year-old.
The Area IV recipients are members of the Troop J Major Case Team. Their investigative work led to the arrest of a man suspected of selling fentanyl-laced pills that killed two teenagers.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.
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