(McKean County, Pennsylvania: January 9, 2025): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer honors Officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day that allows us to honor the officers who take on the responsibility of enforcing the law and protecting their residents:  “Our Officers take exceptional risks to ensure that we are safe from harm.  And they must take these risks on a moment’s notice.  While their day may start out as peaceful and orderly, it too often flips to violence and chaos. Many of our McKean County neighbors have taken the pledge to accept this risk and so have many others who live elsewhere but come to McKean County to protect us.  

The uncertainty they face is challenging. But it is the certainty that they will face violence more days than not- but nonetheless report for duty-that makes them heroes. Some of them have faced violence during a routine traffic stop that turned deadly.  Some of them have succumbed to the abuse their bodies have suffered merely from performing their jobs.  And some have been murdered merely for putting on their uniform without regard to the human beings they are or the families they leave behind.    Yet these Officers respond to every call that comes in during their shift as if they have put this knowledge out of their minds. 

It is our privilege to work with these officers.  We look at the legacies of Patrolman Steven Jerman, Sergeant David Distrola, Lt. Jeff Shade and Trooper Jay Rougeau with honor  and which we hold in the highest place of esteem. Today and every day we remember and honor these gentlemen. And we thank and honor those that continue to take these risks for our security.  Thank you ladies and gentlemen. We honor all law enforcement officers – McKean County Detectives’ Bureau & K9 Unit, McKean County Drug Task Force, Bradford City Police & K9 Unit, Pennsylvania State Police,  Bradford Township Police, Foster Township Police, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Police, Otto Police, Smethport Borough Police, Port Allegany Police, Kane Borough Police, Sheriff’s Department, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Marshalls, , McKean County 911, FCI-McKean, SCI-Forest,  McKean County Jail, Potter County Jail, Warren County Jail, McKean County Juvenile and Adult Probation, State Parole and the families of our Officers. These officers are family, friends and heroes.  God bless our Officers and their families. On behalf of the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, thank you”. – Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer, District Attorney