Holly MatkinDubois, PA – Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Trooper Monty Mitchell died in the line of duty on Monday night after suffering a medical emergency in the Troop C barracks parking lot.
The incident occurred as the 45-year-old trooper was backing his marked unit into a parking space at approximately 9 p.m., the PSP said in a press release on Tuesday.
Trooper Mitchell had returned to the station after advising he was not feeling well, according to his department.
He was still in his patrol car when the medical emergency struck.
His fellow officers rushed to his aid and performed lifesaving measures while they waited for emergency medical personnel to respond, the PSP said.
Trooper Mitchell was rushed to Penn Highlands Hospital, where he was pronounced dead approximately one hour later.
“Our department today feels the heartache of the sudden loss of a colleague and friend,” PSP Commissioner Colonel Robert Evanchick told The Patriot-News. “We ask Pennsylvanians to keep Trooper Mitchell and his loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time.”
Trooper Mitchell joined the PSP in November of 2007, according to the agency’s press release.
He served with Troop C in Ridgway and Troop G in Huntingdon before being assigned to the DuBois station.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf ordered commonwealth flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of the veteran trooper, WCED reported.
“The sudden passing of Trooper Mitchell is felt by not only his loved ones, but also his fellow members of the Pennsylvania State Police and the community he served,” Wolf said. “Frances and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Trooper Mitchell’s family and join all Pennsylvanians in mourning his loss.”
RIP Tpr. Monty Mitchell !
On Feb 8th @ 9pm Tpr Monty Mitchell returned to PSP DuBois after advising he was not feeling well. While backing a patrol car into its stall, Tpr Mitchell suffered a medical episode and was pronounced deceased an hour later. Tpr Mitchell was 45 yrs old. pic.twitter.com/27FT8QXhHs— Nick Chimienti Jr. (@DauphinCSheriff) February 9, 2021
“Our deepest condolences and prayers go to the family of Trooper Monty R. Mitchell. Trooper Mitchell is a #hero who worked tirelessly to protect and serve the citizens of our commonwealth. We will forever honor his service, sacrifice and memory." #GrayNation #FirstFinest
— PA State Troopers Association (@PSTA_1962) February 9, 2021
.@GovernorTomWolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds in Clearfield County to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of Trooper Monty Mitchell, who died in the line of duty on February 8, 2021. https://t.co/3YW4205a13
— Office of the Governor (@GovernorsOffice) February 10, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Monty Mitchell, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
