DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — A funeral service was held Wednesday for Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., who was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop earlier this month.
Family members, fellow state troopers and law enforcement officers from across Pennsylvania and beyond gathered at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Downingtown to honor O’Connor’s life and service.
During the service, O’Connor was remembered as both a dedicated trooper and a devoted family man.
Casey O’Connor, widow of Cpl. Timothy O’Connor, speaks at funeral service
“I hit the husband lottery. He was raised to be a true partner in our marriage and to put our needs above his own,” his widow, Casey O’Connor, said. “He worked hard to build us a beautiful life.”
In her closing remarks at the funeral, Casey O’Connor added a brief personal note.
“Now my last remarks might seem strange, but I already spoke with Father Auletta and it’s okay to say it back,” she said, and then continued, “Go Birds.”
Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George L. Bivens also spoke, saying, “He was a son, a husband, a father, a colleague, and a protector of the people of this commonwealth.”
Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens speaks at funeral for Cpl. Timothy O’Connor
O’Connor was a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. At the funeral, speakers reflected on his service to the department, his mentorship through programs such as Camp Cadet, and his role as a husband and father.
Community mourning loss of trooper killed during traffic stop
Outside the church, lines of officers surrounded the building as an American flag was raised high by cranes, a visible sign of respect from the law enforcement community.
The funeral followed a public viewing held Tuesday, when hundreds of people, including police officers from departments across the region, paid their respects.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel attended the viewing and said it was important to show support for O’Connor’s family.
“It’s important that I bring my entire team down here to show that honor and that reverence to his family that his work matters. That he mattered,” Bethel said.
O’Connor, 40, was killed March 8 after stopping an erratic driver in West Caln Township.
Police said that within seconds of approaching the vehicle, the driver opened fire, killing O’Connor.
Authorities identified the driver as 32-year-old Jesse Elks, who then turned the gun on himself.
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