‘A FINAL SALUTE’
Services: Pa. State Trooper Martin Mack III, who was killed in the line of duty, laid to rest
LEVITTOWN >> A Pennsylvania State Trooper from Bucks County who was killed by a drunk driver on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia on March 21 was laid to rest on Thursday.
From Bristol to Levittown, people lined the streets to pay their respects to State Trooper Martin F. Mack III of Bristol Borough as a funeral procession made its way from the Wade Funeral Home to St. Michael the Archangel Church.
When the procession arrived at St. Michael’s, it was greeted by hundreds of State Police Troopers and local law enforcement officers who had gathered in front of the church on the Levittown Parkway in a show of respect.
As bagpipe music broke the solitude, the law enforcement officers saluted as Trooper Mack’s casket was carried into the church by six State Troopers.
Mack, 33, and Trooper Branden T. Sisca were killed March 21 by a drunk driver while assisting a pedestrian on Interstate 95. The pedestrian also lost his life.
“One of the most touching things that I ever saw was leaving Bristol and coming here to St. Michael’s today,” said Father Dennis Mooney of St. Mark Catholic Church in Bristol where Trooper Mack attended services with his wife, Stephanie, and his cherished daughters, Olivia Reese “Livvie” and Rowan Jane. “There were so many people lining the streets, the highways with their hands on their hearts, saluting to our brother. I almost started to cry. The great love shown by that is an honor and a tribute to this wonderful man.”
Father Mooney presided at the service, sharing words of comfort with the late Trooper’s wife, his daughters, his parents, his brother, and to his friends and law enforcement colleagues.
Father Mooney said Trooper Mack “was a young man loved by so many. He only lived in Bristol Borough for four short years and he had already made an impact in everything he joined and was a part of,” said Mooney.
Mack was a member of The Midnight Squad of the Pennsylvania State Police, Belmont, a member of St. Mark Church, the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, (Michael Dougherty Div., 1, Bristol), Troop Rugby, and was an assistant coach for the Bristol Township Truman Tigers Lacrosse Team.
“What came to mind when I thought about Marty are the words of sacred scripture, ‘No one has greater love than this — to lay down one’s life for his friends.’
“Marty was escorting that young man walking on Interstate 95. And the urgency of that call to him and Trooper Sisca, when they heard that call that this man was in danger, they ran to save him. And they themselves had no greater love than this. They laid down their lives and gave all that they possibly could give. They were doing what they were called to do — in service to others and the protection of others.
“I’m sure this senseless killing once again sharpens the anxiety of the men and women who serve and protect us, and place themselves in harm’s way as State Troopers and law enforcement,” said Father Mooney. “As you leave home each day your family is wondering whether you will return at the end of your shift. We appreciate and know the sacrifices that you make for us,” he said.
Following the funeral service, a procession of hundreds of vehicles escorted the body of
Trooper Mack to Our Lady of Grace Cemetery in Middletown Township where he was laid to rest.
Mack enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in November 2014 and graduated as a member of the 141st cadet class. Sisca enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in February 2021 and graduated as a member of the 161st cadet class. Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia.
A public funeral service for Sisca will take place on Saturday, April 2 at noon at Perkiomen Valley High School, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville 19426. The funeral procession and interment will be private and are not open to the public.
Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds fly at half-staff to honor Troopers Mack and Sisca.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred while these troopers were protecting and serving,” said Gov. Wolf. “This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks — and sacrifices — our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe. My heart goes out to their families and the communities they lived in and served.”
On March 22, the Pennsylvania State Police filed felony and misdemeanor charges against the driver, Jayana Tanae Webb, following an investigation into the crash.
Webb, 21, of Eagleville, was charged with murder of the third degree, three counts; homicide by vehicle while DUI, three counts; homicide by vehicle, three counts; manslaughter of a law enforcement officer in the second degree, two counts; involuntary manslaughter, three counts; recklessly endangering another person, three counts; driving under the influence, and summary traffic violations, which include failing to drive at a safe speed, careless driving, and reckless driving.