Members of the Parkesburg Police Department participated this afternoon in the opening ceremony for the Chester County Camp Cadet program at Camp Saginaw.

Camp Cadet is a Commonwealth wide program hosted by the Pennsylvania State Police.  Local law enforcement is invited to participate in this program which is focused on youth ages 11 to 14.  Law enforcement counselors stay with the cadets for a week filled with bonding, challenges, and life lessons.  The camp’s motto is “Growth through discipline, achievement through teamwork, and pride through respect.”

Part of the opening ceremony involves police vehicles from departments throughout Chester County entering the camp grounds with lights and sirens activated.  This flurry of activity grabs the cadets attention and gets the blood pumping. 

This year, all in attendance felt the void left by Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy J. O’Connor Jr., who was killed in the line of duty on March 8, 2026, in West Caln Township.  Corporal O’Connor was a fixture at Camp Cadet over the last decade.  He believed in this program and the positive impact that it has on those children who attended it.

In honor of Corporal O’Connor, we had two of our police vehicles displaying special decals in his honor.  These graphics were donated and installed by Josh and Steve Mellinger, the owners of Graphics On The Go.  Additionally, one of our police vehicles  entered Camp Cadet flying a custom flag in honor of the fallen Corporal.  This flag was donated to Camp Cadet to insure that Corporal O’Connor’s legacy will continue on.

NOTE: pictures courtesy of Heather Smith & Trooper Ye.