Posted: | February 8, 2022 10:56 AM |
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From: | Representative Emily Kinkead |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Chief Vernon Moses Memorial Highway |
I will be introducing legislation that would designate a portion of U.S. Route 19 between Ivory Avenue and Cemetery Lane in Ross Township, Allegheny County, as the Chief Vernon Moses Memorial Highway. Chief Vernon “Port” Moses was the first Chief of the Ross Township Police Department. To this day, he remains the only Ross Township police officer to be killed in the line of duty during the department’s 100-year history. Chief Moses served with the Ross Township Police Department for 12 years, beginning his service before the department was even formally incorporated, before he was killed in the line of duty on May 3, 1932. On that day, Chief Moses was on patrol when he observed a car driving with members of the John Maug Gang, a local gang that was terrorizing the Ross Township area with burglaries, armed robberies, and shootings, and gave pursuit. Chief Moses was able to pull in front of the vehicle at the corner of Perrysville Avenue (U.S. Route 19) and West View Avenue and stop the car. Chief Moses exited his vehicle and was shot twice by members of the gang. Unfortunately, Chief Moses died at the scene and the gang members fled. The Ross Township Police Department is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2022, as well as honoring the 90th anniversary of Chief Moses’ death. I believe that it is fitting to honor and memorialize Chief Moses for his service and sacrifice to the residents of Ross Township by dedicating this section of U.S. Route 19 in his name as the Ross Township Police Department celebrates their centennial anniversary. I ask for your co-sponsorship in designating a portion of U.S. Route 19 in honor of Chief Vernon Moses. |
Introduced as HB2345