State Reps. John Galloway, Tina Davis and Frank Farry issued the following statement on the death of Bristol resident Martin F. Mack III, who was one of the two Pennsylvania state troopers fatally struck during a traffic stop in Philadelphia:
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless death of Bristol resident Trooper Martin F. Mack III, who along with the other Pennsylvania State Trooper and the individual they were trying to assist, were killed by an oncoming car this morning.
“Trooper Mack lived a life of service, everyday putting his life on the line to protect others.
“He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014 and graduated as a member of the 141st cadet class. He spent his entire career assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, which covers Philadelphia.
“He was just 33 years old and leaves behind a wife and two young children. Trooper Mack made the ultimate sacrifice, dying while trying to bring someone to safety. Once again, we are reminded that our welfare depends on the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers.
“Our prayers are with the Mack family during this terrible time.”
Mack and Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, were attempting to help Reyes Rivera Oliveras, who was walking along I-95 south. As they were escorting Oliveras back to their cruiser just before 1 a.m., all three were fatally struck by 21-year-old Jayana Tanae Webb, who has been charged with third-degree murder, vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and others.
In the midst of this tragedy, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association president David Kennedy is warning residents about organizations pretending to raise money to benefit the families of the two heroic troopers killed on Monday.
“It’s disgusting to even have to issue this statement, but our members and others are reporting to us that they’re receiving phone calls from people alleging to represent law enforcement that are raising money to benefit the families of our fallen brothers,” said Kennedy. “The public should not make donations or provide personal information to these callers. The PSTA is the only official organization that represents and serves Pennsylvania state troopers and we do not use telephone solicitation for fundraising.”
In 2007, the PSTA formed the Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation to help troopers and their families in their time of need. This nonprofit, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) foundation provides funding for families when a trooper is killed in the line of duty, among other services. Visit troopershelpingtroopers.org for more information.
