Apr. 21, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Adam Harris (R-Franklin/Juniata/Mifflin) announced that a portion of Pennsylvania Route 22 in Mifflin County will be renamed as the Cpl. John S. Valent Memorial Highway.
Valent was tragically killed in the line of duty on Dec. 9, 1971. After detaining three unidentified suspects outside of a department store, he placed them in his patrol car to transport them back to the barracks for further questioning. He was just two blocks from the police station when one of the suspects shot him twice.
The following day, two more police officers were wounded in a shoot-out with one of the suspects. The suspect was killed and the other two suspects were later arrested and charged with murder.
“It is important that we honor the life and service of this local hero, which is why I drafted the legislation to make the memorial highway possible,” said Harris. “I appreciate everyone who supported this legislation and the memory of such an honorable man.”
Prior to enlisting with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Corporal Valent served in the U.S. Navy from Sept. 1, 1942, until Nov. 1, 1945 and fought during World War II. He enlisted in the PSP on Feb. 1, 1946, at the age of 23 and was assigned to Troop G, Hollidaysburg.
Valent was buried with full military honors at the Juniata Memorial Park Cemetary outside of Lewistown in Mifflin County. Only 49 years old at the time of his death, Valent was survived by his wife, Madeline; three children, Sharon, Deborah and Bruce; and one grandchild, Christie.
The legislation to honor Valent was made possible by
House Bill 329, which Harris introduced. As the bill was passed in the House today, the bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.’’
Representative Adam Harris
82nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepAdamHarris.com