Thousands Mourn Trooper Mack: 'His Love Is Immortal'

Martin “Marty” Mack wasn’t born a hero, but he became one because of the way he lived his life, his close friend told thousands Thursday.

Trooper Mack, 33, of Bristol Borough, died, along with fellow Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, of Montgomery County, and a pedestrian they were helping, on I-95 in Philadelphia early last Monday morning. Their lives were taken in a split second when an alleged drunk drive slammed into one of their Pennsylvania State Police patrol vehicles.

Delaware State Police Cpl. Paul LaPlaca, Mack’s close friend of 15 years, said his buddy was a hero because of the way he lived.

“Even now as we are here remembering our brothers, there are thousands of officers all across the country risking their lives, responding to shootings, domestic complaints, traffic collisions, medical emergencies, because we all know, the radio never stops. People will continue to call us for help. Marty and Brendan answered that call,” LaPlaca said.

Mack’s casket is carried into the church.
Credit: PA Internet News Service

LaPlaca praised his late friend for his ability to handle numerous types of police calls, tend to his family, deescalate situations, and for joining the Pennsylvania National Guard in his early 30s.

“Being a trooper was more than just a job to Marty. It was a calling and a life’s passion,” he stated.

Mack’s wife, Stephanie, with whom he had daughters Olivia and Rowan with, praised her husband’s ability to care for the family and make her feel safe.

“Everyone will keep your memory the way they need to,” said Stephanie Mack. “I will remember my hero as an amazing father, my best friend and my filter, my sounding board, and my husband. The girls were incredibly lucky to have you, even if the time was cut incredibly too short.”

Stephanie Mack and the two daughters she had with Martin Mack.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Father Dennis Mooney, the priest for the Macks’ home parish of St. Mark Catholic Church in Bristol Borough, told the family the trooper’s death was unfair because he was so young and is his loss must be overwhelming.

“The love of Marty is still with you, Steph,” Mooney told the trooper’s widow. “His love is immortal.”

Mooney told the gathered crowd to never take life for granted.

“They laid down their lives and gave all they could possibly give,” the priest said of Mack and Sisca. “They were doing all they could in service of others.”

Father Dennis Mooney giving his sermon at Mack’s funeral.
Credit: PA Internet News Service

Mooney said Mack’s memory will live on forever.

“From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits him,” he said.

They often say the law enforcement community is like brotherhood. On Thursday, that was proven true as troopers, deputies, rangers, officers, detectives, special agents, and constables from around the nation paid respects to Mack. Among the thousands of law enforcement officials were highway patrolmen from California, U.S. Customs and Border Protection special agents, and officers from faraway cities and towns.

Credit: Natalie Grimmer/LevittownNow.com

During the funeral mass at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church on Levittown Parkway in Tullytown Borough, thousands of members of law enforcement – current and retired – outside were. They lined the front of the catholic church and saluted as Mack’s remains were moved.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Thousands Turn Out For Trooper Mack’s Funeral

The funeral mass was aired live on a large screen outside the church.

Along the 10-mile route from the church to Our Lady of Grace Cemetery off Route 1 in Middletown Township, police officers paid respects, firefighters and medics saluted, and bystanders waved flags and watched as the procession filled with flashing red and blue lights moved through Lower Bucks County.

Law Enforcement Gathers For Trooper Mack’s Viewing In Bristol

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Carol Hall, a resident of Lower Southampton Township. “There’s so many officers and cars and motorcycles.”

Hall said she was drawn to the Levittown Town Center across from the church to pay respects to the trooper and his sacrifice after reading about his death.

Mack was a 2006 graduate of Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School in Delaware County. Mack and his wife both graduated from Albright College in Reading, Berks County.

Since moving from Delaware County to Bucks County with his wife, Mack became a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians in Bristol Borough and an assistant coach for the Harry S. Truman lacrosse team in Bristol Township.