Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Sunday, November 3, 1957
Add to My HeroesPhilip C. Melley
Trooper Philip Melley was shot and killed by a 16 year old juvenile who had taken three other officers hostage in Douglass Township, Pennsylvania. The three officers had gone to arrest the boy for threatening to kill his father. The boy managed to ambush the officers and hold them at gunpoint in a wooded area. As Trooper Melley went to their aid he slipped. As he fell the boy shot him with the shotgun, killing him. The boy then put the shotgun down and surrendered.
The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 8 to 20 years in prison on July 22, 1958. He was considered for parole in 1964. Outcome unknown.
Trooper Melley had served with Pennsylvania State Police for nearly 20 years. He was survived by his brother and sister.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 19 years, 11 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
- Offender Sentenced to 8 to 20 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsThank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
November 3, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr.
Selma Police Department, CA
EOW: January 31, 2023

Master Patrol Officer Clarence "CJ" Williams
Cairo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 28, 2023

Supervisory Officer Jacqueline Montanaro
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: January 14, 2023

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022

Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 24, 2022