'Always The Vigilant Protector': Family, Friends Mourn Fallen PA State Trooper

WEST CALN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Pennsylvania State Trooper who was killed in the line of duty in Chester County on Sunday has been hailed as a hero around the country, with friends and family describing a man who always took it upon himself to protect others.

Corporal Timothy O'Connor was a husband to Casey and the father of their young girl. He was 40 years old.

"Our lives are forever changed," his mother shared in a Facebook post that received thousands of responses. "My brave, fearless son gave his life tonight in the line of duty. Always the vigilant protector, until the end. I will always be proud of you Tim. Rest in peace my boy. Mom has it from here."

O'Connor's father, Timothy, called his son his hero.

"My hero lost his life tonight," he wrote. "Please pray for my daughter in law and my beautiful granddaughter."

Services for O'Connor have not yet been announced.

O'Connor responded to a report of an erratic driver by Walnut and Compass roads in Honey Brook Township at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday night.

As O'Connor approached the vehicle, the driver shot him from inside the car, authorities said. The shooter then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance and shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol, state police said.

O'Connor was brought to Paoli Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The investigation remains underway.

“Our hearts remain with Corporal O’Connor’s wife, daughter, and family," Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, shared in a statement. "We ask for everyone’s continued prayers to help them during this devastating time."

Tributes poured in Tuesday from local law enforcement and fire departments around the Chester County region and wider Philadelphia area. They also came in from every corner of the country, from the Wyoming State Patrol to political leaders on both sides of the aisle.

"May his legacy inspire us to create a safer, more compassionate world," Pennsylvania State Rep. Marla Brown said.

"Protecting PA puts our troopers in harm’s way every shift," U.S. Sen. John Fetterman said. "My family grieves with and extends deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Timothy O’Connor.It’s a sobering reminder of law enforcement’s commitment to communities, not knowing if they’ll make it home safe or alive."

All flags across Pennsylvania were lowered Monday in O’Connor's honor.

Before his career in the state police, O'Connor was a member of the West Chester Fire Company, first joining in 2003.

"During his time with the department, he served his community with the same courage, commitment, and compassion that would later define his career as a Pennsylvania State Trooper," the West Chester Fire Department shared. "Tim exemplified what it meant to be a selfless public servant...Corporal O’Connor’s legacy of service will never be forgotten."

O’Connor joined state police in 2010. He was later assigned to the criminal investigations unit at Troop J, Avondale Station, in 2016.

In March 2022, O'Connor transferred to the Embreeville barracks. He was promoted to corporal that July.

With reporting from Patch correspondent June Bakan