Remembering 2 Norristown Officers Killed In The Line Of Duty

NORRISTOWN, PA — In honor of National Police Week, Patch is remembering and paying tribute to the fallen officers of our Pennsylvania towns and cities.

President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962, and the week surrounding it as National Police Week.

It was established by a joint resolution of Congress, paying recognition to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Two members of the Norristown Police Department have lost their lives in the line of duty: Office Thomas M. Barone, and K9 Sam.

Barone was 32 in 1992 when he answered a domestic disturbance call on the 600 block of West Elm Street. He was climbing a staircase when a man opened fire on him multiple times. The suspect was captured and ultimately died in prison.

K9 Sam was accidentally killed by an officer after apprehending a suspect when he was mistaken for a neighborhood dog.

Keep Officer Barone and K9 Sam in your thoughts this week.

Information and photo of Mathews used with permission, Officer Down Memorial Page