On June 17, 2023, Pennsylvania State Trooper Jacques F. "Jay" Rougeau Jr., 29, of Mifflintown, PA, was tragically killed in the line of duty. Born on September 7, 1993, in San Diego, California, he was the son of Angela (Hunt) Gervasio and her husband Carlo of Millcreek, PA. Raised in Corry, PA, Jay graduated from Corry Area High School in 2012 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology from Penn State Main Campus in 2015.
He joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 2020, graduating from the academy on January 8, 2021, and was assigned to Troop G in Lewistown in March 2023.
The tragic events unfolded when a gunman, identified as 38-year-old Brandon Stine of Thompsontown, PA, attacked the Pennsylvania State Police's Troop G, Lewistown Station. Around 11:00 a.m., Stine drove into the station's parking lot and opened fire on marked patrol vehicles with a large-caliber rifle before fleeing the scene. A manhunt ensued, during which Stine engaged in a series of confrontations with law enforcement. At approximately 12:45 p.m., he encountered Lt. James Wagner in Mifflintown, shooting and critically wounding him. Lt. Wagner was subsequently transported to Hershey Medical Center for treatment.
Later that afternoon, Trooper Rougeau, who was off duty at the time, responded to assist his fellow officers in the search for Stine. Tragically, around 3:00 p.m., Trooper Rougeau was ambushed and fatally shot through the windshield of his patrol vehicle near the intersection of Swamp Road and Baumgardner Drive in Walker Township. Following this encounter, law enforcement officers located Stine in a nearby area, leading to a fierce gun battle during which Stine was shot and killed.
Trooper Rougeau's untimely death marked him as the 104th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He is remembered for his dedication to service, love for golf, basketball, aviation, and his cherished Boxers, Winnie and Charlie. He is survived by his wife, Chloe, whom he married on September 30, 2017, in Corry, PA, as well as his mother, siblings, and extended family. Funeral services were held at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, PA, with a private graveside ceremony in Mifflintown at a later date.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the broader community continue to honor Trooper Rougeau's memory, reflecting on his bravery and commitment to protecting others. Memorials and tributes have been established, including a Memorial Ride hosted by the Alliance Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) Chapter 53 Patriot Riders, with proceeds benefiting the Mifflin/Juniata Scholarship Fund in his honor.
