MIFFLINTOWN, Pa. — Dozens of people gathered together to dedicate a portion of a highway to the life and service of Pennsylvania State Trooper Jacques Rougeau.
Trooper Rougeau was shot and killed during an ambush on June 17, 2023. Rougeau came in on his day off when Thompsontown resident Brandon Strine shot at parked patrol cars at the Troop G Barracks in Fermanagh Township, Juniata County.
Trooper Rougeau was assisting in a manhunt for Strine when he was shot.
“I left early that morning to go out of town for the weekend," recalled Trooper Rougeau's wife, Chloe. "I hugged and kissed him and said that I loved him. I didn’t think it would be for the last time.”
"Simply put, Trooper Jay Rougeau represents the best of what the Pennsylvania State Police are supposed to be," said Colonel Christopher Paris, the commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “[He was] a trooper off-duty, leading a productive and honorable life, until he heard his sisters and brothers were in danger and said, ‘I will be part of the group that stands in the breach.’”
Shortly after his passing, State lawmakers passed Act 17 of 2023, which designated the US 22/322 and Arch Rock Road interchange as the Trooper Jacques F. Rougeau Jr. Memorial Interchange.
Trooper Rougeau's family was given replicas of the highway sign, as well as copies of Act 17 which was signed into law.
“He was a friend to many and a hero for all," said State Senator Judy Ward (R-Blair County).
Chloe Rougeau and Colonel Paris hope the heroic actions taken by Trooper Rougeau will live on.
“This sign is stamped in our hearts," said Col. Paris.
“I am sad to stand here today under these circumstances. But I’m humbled for the chance to honor him," said Chloe.