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Incident
Patrolman Peter Petynko was shot and killed in Alden, Pennsylvania, while attempting to arrest a man who had just shot at another man.
The subject and his friends had been become engaged in an argument while drinking moonshine and breaking windows out of houses in the area. The man remonstrated against what they were doing and was attacked by the friends.
The man then went home at 136 Gruver Street, obtained his revolver, and returned to the scene where he fired at one of the friends. The man he fired at ran from the scene and told Patrolman Petynko. When Patrolman Petynko located the subject and tried to arrest him he was shot once in the chest.
The subject then fled from the area and returned home, where he was arrested a short time later. He pleaded guilty to murdering Patrolman Petynko and was sentenced 10-20 years in prison.
Patrolman Petynko had only served with the Newport Township Police Department for one week.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Petynko served with the Newport Township Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Nanticoke community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Petynko.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Newport Township Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Peter is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Peter is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Peter is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 16 officers in PA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Peter was 24. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Peter had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Peter was 24. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Peter had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Peter was 24. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Peter had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 14.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Newport Township Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 4.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Newport Township Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Peter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Newport Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
