A State Police corporal will run a full marathon in uniform Sept. 13 to honor Cpl. Timothy O'Connor Jr., fatally shot after pulling over an erratic driver in West Caln Township in March.
Cpl. Montana Trombetta, of Uniontown in Fayette County, is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run by an officer in uniform at the Erie Presque Isle Marathon. He is also trying to raise $100,000 for O'Connor's wife, Casey, and their 7-year-old daughter, Kenzie.
Trombetta, a nearly 10-year veteran who runs 60 miles per week, told the Daily Local News he never met O'Connor personally.
"Even though I never met him, we are part of a large family," Trombetta said, referring to the roughly 4,500 officers across the Pennsylvania State Police.
He told CBS News Pittsburgh he was moved to act after hearing Casey O'Connor describe her husband as a steady man people could rely on in times of difficulty and joy.
Under Guinness rules, Trombetta must wear his uniform pants, part of his utility belt and his campaign hat during the race. He is permitted to wear running shoes. The current world record stands at 3 hours, 6 minutes and 27 seconds, a pace of about 7:06 per mile. Trombetta's personal best is 2 hours and 49 minutes.
He also hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which requires finishing in under three hours. Lake-effect weather off Lake Erie could add difficulty, Trombetta told the Daily Local News, noting that rain and wind have affected the course in past years.
O'Connor, 40, was fatally shot March 8 after pulling over an erratic driver near Compass and Michael roads in West Caln Township at about 8:15 p.m., according to CBS News Philadelphia. The gunman, identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, 32, of Honey Brook, then fatally shot himself, police said. O'Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
O'Connor enlisted in the State Police in 2010 and was promoted to corporal in 2023. He was assigned to Troop J's Embreeville barracks in West Bradford and lived in Downingtown. He also volunteered annually at Camp Cadet, helping young people find paths to success, according to Detective Victor Machese of the North Coventry Township Police Department.
Chester County has rallied around the O'Connor family in the months since. O'Connor's name was added to the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #11 memorial monument in West Chester on May 14, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office. In August, the North Coventry Township Police Department's Fallen Heroes Car Show honored O'Connor's memory and raised funds for his family.
Casey O'Connor spoke at the Aug. 8 car show, telling the Daily Local News the community's support showed that the work police officers do is not forgotten.
As of Sept. 3, Trombetta had raised about $15,000 toward his $100,000 goal. Donations can be made through helpahero.org or by sending a check to Troop B Camp Cadet with "Cpl. Timothy O'Connor" in the memo line.
