On Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub joined members of the Bucks County Police Chiefs Association and uniformed officers from multiple municipalities to pay tribute to the county’s 12 fallen law enforcement heroes. For the ninth consecutive year, the Administration Building rotunda is the setting for the Project Blue Light Memorial Wreath. The wreath is illuminated with blue light bulbs and adorned with 12 white ornaments to symbolize the dozen Bucks County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since 1914.
Bensalem Township Public Safety Director Fred Harran, representing the Chiefs Association, spoke of those who have paid the ultimate sacrificing protecting public safety in our communities. “These 12 men never came home to their families. We hope never to have to add a 13th name to this list,” Mr. Harran said. Before joining DA Weintraub to press the switch illuminating the six-foot wreath overlooking the County Memorial Courtyard, Mr. Harran read the names of the dozen honored officers. As he read, the Bensalem Township Police Honor guard stood at attention in the background.
Project Blue Light, a nationwide recognition started in 1988 by Dolly Craig of Philadelphia to memorialize her fallen son-in-law, encourages individuals to include a blue light in their holiday decorations to remember law enforcement officials who have given their lives in the performance of their duties. It also honors the men and women who continue to work in law enforcement, putting their lives on the line daily. Those honored on the wreath include:
1914 - Constable Henry H. Kolbe
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1986 - Deputy Sheriff Thomas A. Bateman
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1927 - County Sheriff Abram L. Kulp
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1986 - Deputy Sheriff George M. Warta, Jr.
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1965 - Dublin Borough’s Eli Myers
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1993 - County Park Ranger Stanley Flynn
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1972 - Bristol Township’s George Stuckey
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2002 - Plumstead Twp.’s Joseph Hanusey
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1975 - Bensalem’s James Armstrong
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2005 - Newtown Borough’s Brian Gregg
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1980 - Bensalem’s Robert Yezzi
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2009 - Middletown Twp.’s Christopher Jones
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