Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Monday, July 24, 1950
Add to My HeroesJohn A. Ditkosky
Private John Ditkosky was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while conducting a traffic stop on U.S. Route 22, near Harrisburg. The driver of the tractor-trailer veered off the roadway struck his patrol car, causing it to strike the stopped vehicle and Private Ditkosky. A rookie Private who was with Private Ditkosky and the driver of the stopped vehicle suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the tractor-trailer had drove from Bedford, Pennsylvania, to Brooklyn, New York., and was on a re-turn trip back to Bedford when he fell alseep and struck Private Ditkosky. In September 1950, the driver pleaded guilty to involuntary mansluaghter and was sentenced to 23 months in prison.
Private Ditkosky had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for little more than three years and had served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 3 years, 2 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by vehicle
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsThank you for your service, both military and police, and today we take the time to remind you and your family that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your LE brethren. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 24, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Jeff Bain
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: January 3, 2021

Correctional Officer David A. Christensen
Washington State Department of Corrections, WA
EOW: December 29, 2020

Lieutenant John Reynolds
Garden Grove Police Department, CA
EOW: January 17, 2021

Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini
Ulster County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: January 17, 2021

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021