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A little over thirty years ago we lost
Pennsylvania State Trooper Joseph J.Welsch, a friend and comrade to us all. He was shot
and killed while serving a warrant for a criminal trespass issue over a family squabble.
He left a wife and family behind.
Joe was from Archbald, in Lackawanna County, and had many friends there, still does.
Nearly two years ago, with the upcoming thirtieth anniversary of his death, the family
along with a few friends decided in some way to honor Joe’s memory. One of Joe’s
good friends growing up was a Joseph Simon, presently Chief of the local fire department.
He was very helpful After considering various ideas, including naming a bridge in his
honor, it was decided that a local community park was more suitable. It was a place he
played as a boy, a fun place he shared with his friends, and a place that hosted good
memories.. The Boro of Archbald approved the plan and the funding. State Representative Ed
Staback lent his support. Over a year ago this sign was placed in front of the park. The
sign reads “Trooper Joseph Welsch Memorial Park.”
This past May Joe’s family was invited to Troop F Headquarters, Montoursville, for
State Police Day. There they met Tpr. Scott Henry, Community Services Officer. An
invitation was extended to the family to attend the Northern Tier Camp Cadet program this
past summer. The family was also asked if a Camp Cadet award could be named after Joe. The
whole family was very receptive to this.
Twelve family members attended the June graduation ceremonies at Mansfield
University. Joe’s widow, Jean Benginia, presented the TROOPER JOSEPH J. WELSCH AWARD
to the recipient of the outstanding male cadet.
On September 15, 2007, a small detachment of Pennsylvania State Troopers traveled to the
small park in Archbald. A retired Trooper was there, so was Joe’s family, fire
service personnel, and his many friends. A brief service with prayers was held and the
sign was dedicate. After this
service Joe’s family donated $200.00 to both the Northern Tier Camp Cadet and the
Dunmore Camp Cadet, which serves Lackawana County. In his memory the family has also set
aside money for a bullet-proof vest to be issued to an upcoming graduate of the Lackawana
College Municipal Police Academy.
Tpr. Scott Henry, Mansfield Station, remarked that the Welsch family “is still part
of the PSP family.”...the family has always been proud that Joe has been remembered
by the PSP.” Their donation to Camp Cadet will be a tremendous help .....”our
camp serves Tioga, Potter, and Cameron counties...we had a total on 94 kids...up 49 ...
since 2001.”
Information for this
story provided by Joe’s sister Barbara Harvey of Carbondale, Tpr. Scott Henry, a news
article in the Times Tribune and the PSP-HEMC website, Memorial page. |
