Fallen PA State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor honored during funeral service

Funeral for Cpl. Timothy O'Connor: Full Service

Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O'Connor Jr. was laid to rest Wednesday after he was killed in the line of duty earlier this month. 

DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. - An emotional day unfolded in Chester County as family, friends, and members of law enforcement gathered to honor the life of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor.

What we know:

Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor was laid to rest

Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor was laid to rest Monday as law enforcement and community members gathered in Downingtown to honor his life and sacrifice.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the state filled St. Joseph Catholic Church in Downingtown on Wednesday morning to honor the 40-year-old officer, husband and father, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop earlier this month in Chester County.

Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, began the service by remembering O'Connor's life, service and sacrifice, before vowing to stand beside his 7-year-old daughter and wife, who went on to eulogize her husband. 

Casey O'Connor shared the story of how she and Timothy met, fell in love, and eventually welcomed their daughter Kenzie into the world. 

Widow of Cpl. Timothy O'Connor speaks at funeral

Casey O'Connor spoke at her husband's funeral Wednesday, sharing the story of how they met, fell in love, and eventually welcomed their daughter into the world. 

"Timothy poured his heart into everything he did. His passion got the best of him, and I'd have to rein him in a bit," she said. "But Timothy wanted to be the best in every aspect of his life. The best husband, the best friend. The best father, the best son, the best Eagles fan, the best golfer, and the very best ostrich wrangler in Chester County."

"Today we gather with very heavy hearts to honor the life, service and sacrifice of Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor," said Lt. Col. George Bivens the Acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner.

O’Connor was known for his dedication to public service, serving not only as a state trooper but also as a West Chester volunteer firefighter. He was credited with saving several lives during his career.

"It was just too close. Too close and too sad is the horrific detail of it. That's why I came out to participate in his last ride," said Linda Rohm of Downingtown.

Following the service, all uniformed personnel gathered outside for an honor formation, saluting O'Connor as he was taken to his final resting place with a police escort.

The backstory:

The 40-year-old officer was fatally shot during a traffic stop earlier this month in Chester County after responding to reports of an erratic driver. When he approached the vehicle, the driver opened fire. The suspect then fatally shot himself.

O’Connor is remembered not only as a dedicated officer, but as a husband and father, who leaves behind his wife, Casey, and their young daughter, Kenzie.

He joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2010 as part of the 131st cadet class. Over the years, he built a career marked by commitment and service, eventually being promoted to corporal in July 2022. At the time of his death, he was assigned to a patrol unit based out of the Embreeville station.

He is now the 105th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to be killed in the line of duty.