Lower Burrell Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Add to My HeroesDerek Kotecki
Patrolman Derek Kotecki was shot and killed while investigating reports of a wanted man at a local fast food restaurant. The man was wanted for a shooting ten days earlier and for threatening police officers during the previous week.
The subject was hiding by laying in the back seat of his SUV. As Patrolman Kotecki and his canine, Odin, approached, the man suddenly sat up opened fire from a distance of about 10 feet. Patrolman Kotecki was struck in the head, abdomen, and left arm.
The man then fled, but was confronted by other officers as he attempted to climb a fence behind the restaurant. He was killed during an exchange of shots with the responding officers.
K9 Odin was uninjured but had to be muzzled after refusing to leave Patrolman Kotecki's side.
Patrolman Kotecki had served with the Lower Burrell Police Department for 18 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 40
- Tour 18 years
- Badge 27
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 314 ReflectionsLord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
January 12, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024
Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia
Cameron County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, TX
EOW: September 30, 2024
Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez-Vasquez
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, TX
EOW: September 28, 2024
Constable Shane R. Eyre
Vienna Town Constable's Office, NY
EOW: September 1, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Cailee Campbell
Oswego County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: September 25, 2024
Police Officer David Lee
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, MO
EOW: September 22, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Joshua C. Phipps
Russell County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: September 16, 2024
Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter
Michigan State Police, MI
EOW: September 15, 2024
Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia
Massachusetts State Police, MA
EOW: September 13, 2024