Residents statewide mourn the loss of two troopers
Pennsylvanians mourned the loss of two state troopers, who died in the line of duty Monday in the Philadelphia area.
State Police Commissioner Col. Robert Evanchick on Monday confirmed trooper Martin F. Mack III, 33, and trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, were hit and killed by a driver around 1 a.m. on Interstate 95 south in the area of milepost 18 in Philadelphia. A male pedestrian was also hit and killed by the driver.
“Our department is heartbroken with the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Philadelphia,” Evanchick said. “We ask our fellow Pennsylvanians to keep the families of our troopers and the pedestrian in their thoughts. This is an extremely difficult time.”
According to a news release, the troopers were dispatched after receiving reports of a man walking on I-95 south. The release said the troopers were helping the pedestrian into the back of their cruiser, when a woman tried to drive past the scene.
Police said the woman struck all three and the cruiser. Police said the woman remained at the scene and is under investigation for being intoxicated.
Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia. Mack enlisted in November 2014, and Sisca enlisted in February 2021.
Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the troopers. They will remain lowered until sunset Friday, and they will be lowered again on the day of their funerals. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred while these troopers were protecting and serving,” Wolf said. “This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks — and sacrifices — our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe. My heart goes out to their families and the communities they lived in and served.”
Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President David Kennedy commented on the deaths and honored the troopers, as well as offering condolences for the families of the troopers and pedestrian.
“They are heroes, who will forever be honored by all those who recite the Pennsylvania State Police Call of Honor and serve as a Pennsylvania state trooper,” Kennedy said. “Our hearts, love and prayers go out to their loved ones.”
