Trooper Joseph J. Welsch, 26, was killed while serving a warrant in Covington, Tioga County, on September 13, 1977. He and constable Walter Mitchell went to the home of 28-year-old Mark F. Geddes over a dispute with Geddes’s father. According to reports, Geddes opened fire as the officers approached; Welsch was fatally shot and Mitchell was wounded in the neck but survived. Geddes was taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with the shooting.

Welsch had enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police on January 25, 1973, and was assigned to Troop F in Montoursville. He previously served with the 109th Infantry, Army National Guard in Scranton. At the time of his death he had served four years and eight months. He was survived by his wife, Jean M. Welsch, who was later presented with the State Police Cross, and he was buried with full military honors at St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in Archbald.

Are there readers who remember Trooper Welsch, the response in Tioga County that day, or who can share more about his service and family?