Falls Twp. Honors Sergeant For Leadership During Triple Homicide Response

Sgt. Steve Reeves at the scene of the March 2024 shootings.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

Falls Township has honored police Sgt. Steve Reeves with a certificate of appreciation for his exceptional leadership during last-year’s triple homicide that happened just a short time before the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The recognition was handed down during the Falls Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday evening where police Chief Nelson Whitney presented the award.

“When these incidents unfold, often it is the decisions that are made early in the incident that determine whether or not they’ll be resolved in a way that minimizes the threat to human life and maximizes our chance of catching the perpetrator,” Whitney said.

Officials said the calm of a “a beautiful Saturday” was broken as the community was preparing for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Levittown. The incident involved three crime scenes – two locations with homicides and a third where a carjacking took place.

Whitney praised Reeves’ quick response and leadership during the crisis.

Chief Nelson Whitney briefing reporters the day of the 2024 shootings.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com

“I can tell you from before I even arrived, I could hear on the radio by the decisions he was making that he was managing this incident very effectively,” the chief said.

The emergency response grew to include approximately 90 police officers from jurisdictions throughout Bucks County who gathered at a staging area at Pennsbury High School. State and federal partners also joined the large response that ended with the arrest of the suspect in Trenton hours later.

The certificate presented to Reeves recognizes his “demonstration of skill and excellence” and “taking control and command when needed.”

“Hopefully, this certificate will serve as motivation to others as well as a reminder to him that when he was needed most, he was able and willing to step up for the protection and safety of others,” Whitney said.

Representatives from the Bucks County St. Patrick’s Day Parade were also present for the ceremony.

Reeves has served in the Falls Township Police Department since 2002. He is an EMT and previously served as a detective until his promotion to sergeant in 2023. Reeves also serves as the president of the Bristol Borough Fire Association.

The recognition comes as the township prepares for the 2025 Bucks County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is scheduled for March 15.

“We look forward to having the parade actually on the 15th of March. We’ve had some bad luck in the past years, so I hope to see everyone out there and hope for good weather,” Supervisor Brian Galloway said.

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