HARRISBURG, May 7, 2012 — The family of a slain East Washington police officer was recognized at the state Capitol today in a memorial service for fallen officers and on the floor of the state Senate.
State Sen. Tim Solobay, whose bill honoring Officer John David Dryer is expected to pass the Senate this week, formally introduced Dryer’s parents, son and other family members during today’s session.
“Every family of a law enforcement officer knows how difficult it is to say goodbye every day and hope and pray that the person they love, who happens to carry a badge, will return home at the end of their shift,” Solobay told his colleagues. “Unfortunately, some of you also know what it’s like to get that call or that knock on the door where you get the news — the news that your worst nightmare was now a reality.”
Dryer was killed in the line of duty Dec. 19 during a traffic stop on Interstate 70/79. He was also a veterinarian, a dog trainer, a wildlife conservation officer, a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician.
“Helping others was simply the way that Officer Dryer lived his life – his extraordinary life,” Solobay said.
Before the Senate session, Dryer’s family members attended the 19th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service, which was scheduled for the Capitol’s East Wing Plaza, but moved to the nearby Forum building because of rain.
The Senate is expected to vote this week on Senate Bill 1382, designating the current Beau Street Interchange on I-70 as the Officer John David Dryer Memorial Interchange.
Dryer was one of four Pennsylvania law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2011.
