Gov. Shapiro, Pa. State Police honor fallen troopers, including Corporal Timothy O'Connor

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) -- Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Police honored fallen troopers during a Memorial Day ceremony at PSP Department Headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa., on Monday.

Among those honored was Corporal Timothy O'Connor, Jr., who became the 105th name added to the Memorial Wall during the ceremony.

"Corporal O'Connor was a dedicated Pennsylvania State Trooper and a public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to keeping his community safe," said Gov. Shapiro. "Today, we honor Tim and the other 104 troopers whose names are on that wall, the troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in this service to our commonwealth."

Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, presented O'Connor's family with the state police cross to honor his time in service.

They were also given a hand crafted quilt made from state police uniforms from the Lebanon Quilters Guild.

"Cpl. O'Connor was a trooper's trooper, steadfast, protective, and committed," said Lt. Colonel Bivens. "He provided backup to his brothers and sisters without hesitation and was always the first to jump in when help was needed. That spirit of service defined his final hours."

O'Connor, 40, was killed on March 8 after stopping an erratic driver in West Caln Township, Chester County.

Police said that within seconds of approaching the vehicle, the driver opened fire, killing O'Connor.

Authorities identified the driver as 32-year-old Jesse Elks, who then turned the gun on himself.

O'Connor was a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police.