Police Memorial Service Will Honor 2 Fallen Bensalem Officers

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The township will hold its annual Police Memorial Service on Monday to remember fallen officers James Armstrong and Robert Yezzi.

The Bensalem Township Police Department said the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the township building on 2400 Byberry Rd.

Police officers paid their respects on a national level on Wednesday.

Members of the police department attended the 43rd National Peace Officers' Memorial Service in Washington, D.C.

"We paid tribute to the 282 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while performing their duties as a police officer. We must never forget them and always be there to support their families," the police department said.

The event was part of National Police Week events, serving as a reminder of what the profession stands for and the dangers law enforcement faces daily, police said.

Bensalem's Motor Patrol Unit members for escorting the Unity Tour riders to DC and the department's Honor Guard Unit for officially representing the department.

On April 15, 1975, Armstrong was shot and killed as he investigated an armed robbery. His K-9 partner, Shep, was also shot that day but he survived.

On Aug. 12, 1980, Yezzi was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while investigating a suspicious pedestrian. The individual pulled a knife at which time Yezzi backed into traffic and was struck and killed by a motor vehicle.

(Bensalem Township Police Department)