Corporal John Severin Valent, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

Corporal John Severin Valent

Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Thursday, December 9, 1971

John Severin Valent

Corporal Valent was shot and killed while transporting three suspects to Lewistown Station after stopping them. The three had no identification and claimed to be from out of state. While driving to the station, only a quarter mile from where he stopped them, one of the three shot him in the back of the head. One of the suspects was shot and killed the following day and the other two were arrested and charged with Corporal Valent's murder. The two served ten years under a plea bargain.

Corporal Valent was a U.S Navy veteran of World War II and had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 25 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 49
Tour 25 years, 10 months
Badge 1003
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender One shot and killed

transport

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Most Recent Reflection

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Dear Corporal Valent,
It’s been almost 48 years since your EOW!! I came to know your son through work!! You would be so proud of him!! He always made me laugh!! I’ve seen the impact this has taken on your family but want to thank you for first protecting our country during the war and second for protecting our state through your service!! I’m so sorry you didn’t get to spend more time with your kids and meet your grandkids!! And I’m really sorry about what they did to you in the courts!! I’ve cried reading Debbie’s tributes to you but can tell you were a man with a really big heart to have had such a positive influence on your kids!! Today after the first snowfall of the year I will go make some snowballs for you in your honor and Debbie’s memory to remember the fun times of your life!!

Linda Clark
Friend of Bruce Valent

November 16, 2018