Private John A. Ditkosky, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

Private John A. Ditkosky

Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Monday, July 24, 1950

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John A. Ditkosky

Private John Ditkosky was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while conducting a traffic stop on U.S. Route 22, near Harrisburg, at 11:35 p.m.

The driver of the tractor-trailer veered off the roadway, struck his patrol car, causing it to collide with the stopped vehicle and injure Private Ditkosky. A rookie private who was with Private Ditkosky and the driver of the stopped vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the tractor-trailer had driven from Bedford, Pennsylvania, to Brooklyn, New York., and was on a return trip back to Bedford when he fell asleep and struck Private Ditkosky. In September 1950, the driver pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 23 months in prison.

Private Ditkosky was a United States Navy World War II veteran and had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for over three years. He was survived by his wife of three months, parents, two brothers, and three sisters.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 3 years, 2 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Struck by vehicle

traffic stop

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Pvt. Ditkoskey,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 24, 2025