Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 13, 1977
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 4 years, 7 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 13, 1977
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Trooper Joseph Welsch was shot and killed and a Pennsylvania State Constable was wounded when they attempted to serve a warrant on a man in Tioga County. As they approached the suspect at his home to arrest him, the suspect drew a gun and shot both officers.
The 29-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life on March 15, 1978. In 2021 he was in Mahanoy Prison.
Trooper Welsch had served in the Pennsylvania National Guard and had been with the Pennsylvania State Police for almost five years. He was survived by his wife.