Trooper Joseph James Sepp, Jr.

Trooper Joseph James Sepp, Jr.

Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Sunday, November 10, 2002

Add to My Heroes

Joseph James Sepp, Jr.

Trooper Joseph Sepp succumbed to a gunshot wound received the previous day at 2:30 am following a vehicle pursuit. Local officers had stopped a man suspected of drunk driving in Summerhill.

When the officers noticed the man had a gun, they ordered him out of the car. He instead fled in the car and led officers on a pursuit until he crashed into a patrol car and a utility pole in Ebensburg. When the suspect's vehicle crashed, the patrol units stopped in close proximity. The suspect exited his car and opened fire, striking Trooper Sepp in the head. Other officers returned fire and struck the suspect.

Trooper Sepp was transported to Memorial Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wound.

The suspect was charged with murder in connection with Trooper Sepp's death. He was convicted of first-degree murder on December 10, 2003. He was sentenced to life on December 11, 2003. The inmate died in prison on October 27, 2011.

Trooper Sepp had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 10.5 years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, and his parents.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 10 years, 8 months
  • Badge 6672

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Saturday, November 9, 2002
  • Weapon Handgun; .41 caliber
  • Offender Died in prison

Impaired Driver, vehicle pursuit

Most Recent Reflection

View all 187 Reflections

Joe,
It’s hard to believe that you’ve been gone for over 20 years. There isn’t a day that goes by where someone doesn’t think of you, because your life touched so many. You are not forgotten. You are desperately missed. Your sister is getting married next year, I know you’ll be at the wedding. Until then, rest easy my friend.

Anonymous

April 26, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.