Trooper Osche, injured while helping at a crash, is honored
A state trooper who recently returned to duty after being injured while off-duty was honored by a nonprofit Thursday, June 6, for his service with the state police.
The Troopers Bridge Foundation is a nonprofit that honors state troopers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York who have been hurt in the field — all qualifications that apply to trooper Joshua Osche. He was one of seven officers honored Thursday at the 27th annual Troopers Bridge Foundation dinner, which took place in Monroe County.
Osche, with Troop D, sustained multiple fractures in both legs after he was struck by a car Aug. 24 in Robinson Township. He was off-duty that night, but pulled over to help at a hit-and-run crash. Although he turned on his vehicle’s hazard lights and wore a safety vest, Osche was hit by a car and seriously injured while placing flares on the road.
Blair Johnson, the tow truck driver involved in the accident that caused Osche to stop, ran out into the middle of Parkway West and pulled Osche to the side of the road and stayed with him until help arrived.
Osche resumed work in April, after months of physical rehabilitation and support from state police organizations. The trooper acknowledged, however, not everyone who has done his job has lived to tell the tale.
Osche believes it’s important to “really think about how fortunate we are and to appreciate the sacrifices and service of those who aren't with us now and those fortunate enough to be with us.”
An alumnus of Butler Senior High School, Osche graduated from the State Police Academy in June 2016 as a member of the 145th Cadet Class and was assigned to Troop D, which covers Butler County. He is currently a member of the criminal investigation unit.
Joshua’s mother, Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche, said she and her family consider themselves lucky that Joshua’s injuries weren’t worse.
“Many families have lost their troopers,” Osche said. “We are conscious of that and will support this foundation. We know how fortunate we are that he is still with us.”
