North Fayette, PA – Mount Lebanon Police Department (MLPD) Officer Jerrod Joseph Withrow died on June 11 after a brave battle against colon cancer, his department said.
The 43-year-old officer passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, according to his obituary.
“Jerrod bravely battled Stage 4 colon cancer to the end, never giving up hope and motivating all of us to stay strong alongside him,” the MLPD said in a Facebook post later the same day. “Thanks to everyone who supported him and his family as they traversed this difficult road.”
Officer Withrow graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before launching into his law enforcement career with the Idaho State Police in 2000, according to his obituary.
He and his wife, Lisa, moved around the country several times before landing in Pittsburgh.
Officer Withrow joined the Pittsburgh Police Department in 2011, where he remained until accepting a position with the MLPD in 2014.
As member of the South Hills Critical Incident Response Team, he was among the officers who responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in October of 2018, according to his obituary.
“Jerrod was a part of special brotherhood, not only would he do anything for a fellow officer, but they would also do anything for him,” the tribute read. “His heart bled blue for his brothers.”
Officer Withrow leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Lisa, as well as his children, James, Brayden, and Ben.
He is also survived by his parents, sisters, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, “and all his brothers in blue,” according to his obituary.
Officer Withrow was laid to rest on Wednesday.
REST IN PEACE: Mt. Lebanon Police Officer Jerrod Withrow has passed away after battling Stage 4 colon cancer. He had served with the department since 2014 and helped the response to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018. pic.twitter.com/RmNf7bOz0u
— Laurie (@cranberrycutie1) June 11, 2021
.@Leborelay4life Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. Honor those who have been touched by cancer with luminaria tonight or tomorrow. Sending love and support to Officer Jerrod Withrow, fighting colon cancer. #LightUpLebo pic.twitter.com/y1WxcJArN3
— Mt. Lebanon Police (@MtLebanonPolice) December 24, 2020
Thanks to everyone who participated in the annual MOG Mile event today benefiting MLPD Officer Jerrod Withrow as he bravely battles colon cancer. Special thanks to @MECKAFitness, CF Mt. Lebanon & @MtLebanonFire for putting it all together. #withrowstrong #mogadishumile #crossfit pic.twitter.com/2e9GSSuX25
— Mt. Lebanon Police (@MtLebanonPolice) October 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mount Lebanon Police Department Officer Jerrod Joseph Withrow, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.