Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 12, 1989
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 14 years, 1 month
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: April 12, 1989
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Corporal Paul Almer and Trooper Wayne Bilheimer were killed in a helicopter crash while searching for a body in the Susquehanna River in southern York County, Pennsylvania.
Corporal Almer was piloting the aircraft when it struck high-voltage power lines at an altitude of approximately 90 feet. The helicopter crashed into approximately ten feet of water, with both officers trapped inside. Trooper Bilheimer succumbed to multiple trauma injuries and Corporal Almer drowned. Both officers were found still strapped into their harnesses.
Corporal Almer had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 14 years. He had previously served as a combat helicopter pilot with the United States Army during Vietnam War for 18 months. He was survived by his mother and fiancee.