Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Rich Janczewski was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in the woods near the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton Airport. As he approached the vehicle, a man emerged from the woods. Patrolman Janczewski asked the man for identification. The man went to his car, produced a handgun, and began firing at Patrolman Janczewski. Patrolman Janczewski was struck once in the chest but, before collapsing, returned fire and wounded the suspect once. The suspect then walked over to Patrolman Janczewski and shot him in the head. The suspect then committed suicide. Patrolman Janczewski had served with the Avoca Borough Police Department for three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Janczewski served with the Avoca Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Avoca community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Janczewski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Richard Gordon Janczewski is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Gordon Janczewski's cause is highlighted.
How Richard Gordon Janczewski Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Gordon Janczewski is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Gordon Janczewski was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.