By SARA EDDY FURLONG

s.furlong@bradfordera.com

Bradford’s Veterans Square hosted a local Peace Officers Memorial on Thursday morning, held to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Bradford City and Pennsylvania State police officers attended to pay respects to those who came before them, and were joined by several members of Bradford City Fire Department, McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and Bradford Mayor Tom Riel.

Patrolman Terry Fuqua served as master of ceremonies, opening things with a prayer from the Officers… page A-10

Bradford City Police Patrolman Terry Fuqua salutes as Taps is played during a Peace Officers Memorial held Thursday morning at Veterans Square. Visible at right is Chief Mike Ward. City and Pennsylvania State police officers attended the ceremony, which honors law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or been disabled in the line of duty.

Era photo by Sara Furlong

Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward speaks during the Peace Officers Memorial held Thursday in Veterans Square.

Era photo by Sara Furlong Rev. Stacey Fussell of Church of the Ascension.

“We thank you for those members of our community who answer the call to serve the common good in helping to keep the peace, protect life and property, and to work together on behalf of all.”

Shaffer said, “Every year on Police Memorial Day we get together to recognize the officers who have lost their lives while protecting ours. We remember not just the uniforms or the badges, but the human beings, the men they were — our sons, fathers, brothers and friends — who answered the call one last time.

“Our officers have to ensure the safety of themselves, their coworkers and the society they are tasked with protecting,” Shaffer continued. “And very few people outside of the family know of the horrors they see. The depraved, the gruesome and the violent. Or the risk that they face at every moment. They are tasked with maintaining peace … while at the same time commanding authority, and doing so with the grace of civilized men but the bravery of soldiers. Their work space is often hostile and always unpredictable.

“You are … the ones who run toward danger, who stand between harm and the innocent and who wear the weight of responsibility as a badge of honor.”

She then named several officers being honored during the service, Sgt. David Distrola, Patrolman Steven Jerman, Trooper Jay Rougeau and Lt. Jeff Shade.

Distrola was killed Dec. 23, 1989, from injuries sustained in a fall from a Route 219 overpass while investigating a car accident in icy conditions. His son, David “Guy” Distrola is police chief in Port Allegany.

Jerman was murdered during a traffic stop in Kane on Feb. 20, 1999, leaving behind a wife and two children.

Rougeau, of Erie County, was murdered June 17, 2023, when he took action without formal orders or command approval upon learning there was a gunman firing at patrol cars.

Shade passed away Aug. 4, 2023, after suffering a medical emergency at the Bradford Township Police Department. His fellow officers and EMS colleagues performed CPR to try to save their friend’s life.

“Jeff’s legacy was left on all of us,” Shaffer said. “He was a friend, partner and mentor. He was our leader. This very event is the work of Lt. Shade. Ensuring traditions are followed was a priority for him. He would be pleased that this (memorial) is continuing in his absence.”

Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward said, “Their names may be inscribed on the memorials, but their legacies are etched in the hearts of their families, their colleagues and the communities they gave their

lives to protect. “Behind every fallen officer is a story — a family that still grieves, a department that carries on with one fewer partner, and a badge that was never just a piece of metal. It was a commitment to protect, to serve and, if necessary, to lay down one’s life for another.”

Fuqua then called uniformed personnel to attention for the playing of Taps, before offering another prayer.

“Almighty God, watch over all policemen and law enforcement officers, protect them from harm in performance of their duty to stop crime, robberies and violence. Help them keep our homes and streets safe, daily and nightly.”

Ward had said, “Today is not only about loss, but about remembrance, resilience and purpose. Their courage and service continue to inspire every officer who pins on a badge and steps into the unknown,” Ward continued. “The work we do matters. We honor them by how we serve today. Let us rededicate ourselves to the principles that make this professional honorable — integrity, courage, sacrifice and service.

“May we carry their memories forward, not just in ceremony, but in our conduct. May we live and lead in a way that reflects their best qualities.

“Let us ensure that those who died in the line of duty did not do so in vain. To the families of the fallen, no words can truly capture the depth of your sacrifice but know this, your loved ones are not forgotten. Not today. Not ever.”