THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY BREWSTER, WARD, FERLO AND FONTANA, OCTOBER 18, 2011

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, OCTOBER 18, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and service of Officer Derek Kotecki.

Whereas, Officer Derek Kotecki was a wonderful husband to his

wife, Julie, and the proud father of two boys, Nicholas and

Alexander; and

Whereas, Officer Kotecki was an integral part of the Lower

Burrell community for many years and was involved in a number of

activities growing up there, including Little League baseball;

and

Whereas, Officer Kotecki was a graduate of Burrell High

School where he played on the basketball team; and

Whereas, Officer Kotecki served as a police officer in Ocean

City before being hired full time by the Lower Burrell Police

Force, saying that he "wanted to be able to go home and actually

feel like I did something at the end of the day"; and

Whereas, Officer Derek Kotecki was an 18-year veteran of the

Lower Burrell Police Force; and

Whereas, Officer Kotecki frequently visited local schools as

part of his commitment to the community; and

Whereas, He was described as a "true hero" by fellow officers

who served with him; and

Whereas, Officer Kotecki was involved in some of the first

antidrug programs in the Burrell School District; and

Whereas, Officer Kotecki's life was cut short in the line of

duty, when he was gunned down by a fugitive; and

Whereas, He will be remembered for his commitment to the

community and those who served with him; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Senate of Pennsylvania express condolences

to the family of Officer Derek Kotecki and pay tribute to the

service that he gave to his community and the Lower Burrell

Police Force.