Bucks County Police Remember Fallen Officers

May 12, 2015

Monday will filled with remembrance ceremonies for Bucks County’s fallen police officers.

The day started with the annual ceremony outside the Bristol Township Police Department on Bath Road. The event, led by Lt. John Godzieba, featured police from around Lower Bucks County and a playing of TAPS. Bath Road between Route 13 and Veterans Highway (Route 413) was officially renamed for Detective Sgt. George Stuckey, who was gunned down following a bank robbery in 1972.

Former Bristol Township police officer Jim Halikman recalled Stuckey from his time on the force. The two grew up together and joined the police department within a few years of each other. “It’s a shame you never got to meet him,” he told the crowd.

State Rep. Tina Davis and State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson worked in Harrisburg to get the street renamed in honor of the fallen officer.

A few hours later, police officers from around Lower Bucks County gathered at the Middletown Township police station to remember Detective Christopher Jones, who was killed during a traffic stop in 2009.

Retired Chief Frank McKenna, who was set to retire the day after Jones was killed, recalled the sacrifice by the well-liked and energetic officer. As he spoke, three Middletown police cruisers whizzed by with their lights and sirens blazing while responding to a call for service.

The day ended with a Bucks County Police Memorial Ceremony in Newtown. The event, which lasted approximately an hour, took place at the St. Andrew Catholic Church on Swamp Road in Newtown. Officers and officials from all the local departments were in attendance. The event sought out to honor officers from various departments who passed away while serving under their position. Falls Township Chief William Wilcox remarked in his speech the officers honored Monday made “the ultimate sacrifice”. Family members of the fallen officers were seen clasping yellow roses during the ceremony which featured the playing of TAPS.

The events were part of National Police Week.

Bristol Township ceremony: