HARRISBURG – Jan. 18, 2012 – A unanimous state Senate today honored the lifetime community service of slain East Washington Police Officer John David Dryer, who was killed in the line of duty Dec. 19, during a traffic stop on Interstate 70/79.
State Sen. Tim Solobay, who introduced the condolence resolution, noted that Dryer’s law enforcement career was a calling rather than a job.
“He didn't have to be a police officer to put food on the table. It wasn't just a convenient, casual career choice. He did it out of his desire to serve,” Solobay told his colleagues on the Senate floor. “This is as honorable a calling as an individual can have.”
Dryer, 46, was also a veterinarian, a dog trainer, a wildlife conservation officer, a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician.
“The courage and dedication of this brave police officer and the professional veterinary services he provided to the community in which he lived will long be gratefully remembered,” the resolution read.
Solobay also introduced legislation intended to rename the interstate interchange near where Dryer was shot. Senate Bill 1382 would re-designate the current Beau Street Interchange as the Officer John David Dryer Memorial Interchange.
Dryer was one of four Pennsylvania law enforcement officers killed in 2011.
Solobay urged local citizens to post remembrances on Dryer’s Officer Down Memorial Page or visit the memorial Facebook page, where information can be found about contributing to the David Dryer Memorial fund.
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