September 17, 2025

Words cannot express our heartfelt condolences to the Northern York County Regional Police Department (NYCRPD) and York County Sheriff's Department for the injuries sustained and loss of life on this tragic day.

The NLCRPD was created in 2011 using the NYCRPD as a foundational model for its implementation. Chief David Steffen (retired) had previously retired from NYCRPD and was chosen to lead the merger of Penn, Warwick, and Clay Townships. The departments were brother agencies and shared many traditions, procedures, and inherent relationships. These relationships were bonded by both personal and professional ties.

The events that occurred on September 17, 2025, not only sent a shockwave across the Commonwealth and law enforcement profession but, left an immediate and emotional impact on our police department. The NLCRPD, the Commission, and its officers and staff send our deepest sympathies to the NYCRPD, its officers, and all the families impacted by this tragedy.

Repeated violence, disrespect, and dissension against our profession are unconscionable and unacceptable. The men and women who serve our communities come to work every day, accepting the risks of the job. Each officer understands that they come face to face with horrible scenarios, will be exposed to tragedy, and become involved in events almost daily, when most will only experience in a lifetime. Constant training, physical and mental preparation, attitude, and defined purpose must be on point to face these challenges and be successful.

The denigration of our society's moral compass has arguably led to the increase in officer-related injury and death, compromised the recruiting and retention of our profession, and challenged the purpose and commitment of those who hold the line.

I continue to stress that we at the NLCRPD are blessed to work for communities that overwhelmingly support our police officers and the department, and for that, we are both honored and grateful. We will not be deterred by the evil and vile actions of the few. Instead, we will be forever vigilant and remain committed to our mission of 'serving and protecting our Regional Communities with the highest level of professionalism in law enforcement'. Our officers are fully committed to the mission, we understand our purpose, and we will continue to show up every day to serve and keep our community safe.

But we cannot accomplish the mission alone. We demand high standards, consistently repeat expectations, and instill accountability for our employees. But it takes all of us, the public and the police, committed to respecting one another, listening and communicating with one another, and relying on one another to achieve a safe environment for us all to live, work, and prosper.

On behalf of the NLCRPD, we extend our full support and sympathy to our brother police department, the York County Sheriff's Office, and the families of those warriors who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will drive on with their names etched in our hearts and memories carried high on our shoulders. May our fellow warriors rest in peace.

Josh Kilgore

Chief of Police