Trooper Joseph Sepp Memorial Bridge dedicated
September 26, 2014
WINDBER, Sept. 26 – With family, friends and colleagues of the late Trooper Joseph Sepp Jr. in attendance, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset, today officially dedicated the bridge carrying 17th Street over state Route 56 in Windber in honor of Sepp.
Burns was prime sponsor of the proposal that officially renames the bridge the "Trooper Joseph Sepp Memorial Bridge."
The official renaming and dedication ceremony was held in the Arcadia Theatre, followed by the unveiling of the memorial signs at the bridge.
"A dedicated and noble servant to his community, Trooper Sepp paid the ultimate price," Burns said. "Throughout his career, he did not hesitate to put the safety of others before his own. The region was blessed and grateful to have Trooper Sepp patrolling our highways, protecting our quality of life.
"We are blessed to have men and women dedicated to this calling with such selflessness. It is important to express our appreciation – and to their loved ones -- for their sacrifices. That sacrifice is not in vain because their loved ones are remembered and honored here today and by everyone who stands behind a badge in this most humbling and demanding of professions."
Born in Wilkinsburg, Sepp was raised in Windber and graduated from the high school in 1986. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, he enlisted with the state police on Feb. 24, 1992. He was stationed in Montoursville and Somerset before transferring to Ebensburg for duty in October 1996. He died Nov. 10, 2002, a day after being shot by a fleeing suspect in a high-speed chase in Ebensburg.
Burns also presented members of the Sepp family, his wife Jenny; daughter Amanda Jo; sons Joey and Andy; his parents Joseph and Lana Gay Sepp; and sister Tina, with a citation and a miniature version of the bridge sign.
Other officials at the ceremony included Rep. Carl Metzgar, Sen. John Wozniak, Congressman Keith Rothfus and Pennsylvania State Trooper Stephen Limani.