On March 16, 2018, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and Motorola Solutions named Corporal Seth Kelly from the Pennsylvania State Police the IACP/Motorola Solutions 2017 Trooper of the Year. Corporal Kelly was chosen from four finalists among state and provincial agencies of the United States and Canada for this honor.

“Motorola Solutions is proud to partner with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to honor the selfless work being done in police agencies every day around the world,” said Jim Mears, senior vice president, North America Market, Motorola Solutions. “Men and women in state and provincial police agencies know the situations they face can change in an instant, yet they continue to put their lives on the line to help keep their communities safe. Motorola Solutions humbly recognizes the brave efforts by Corporal Kelly and the sacrifices made by all law enforcement.”

On November 7, 2017 Corporal Seth Kelly of the Pennsylvania State Police arrived on scene to assist Trooper Ryan Seiple with a routine traffic stop. A suspect was pulled over for speeding but after a second approach, Trooper Seiple suspected that the suspect was under the influence of a controlled substance and called Corporal Kelly for backup. After failing the field sobriety test, the suspect became violent as the troopers attempted to take him into custody. As the altercation ensued, both troopers deployed their electronic control weapons, but the struggle escalated onto the highway. Corporal Kelly pulled the subject back onto the shoulder of the highway to safety, but the suspect managed to break free, return to his vehicle, and grab a pistol. The suspect fired six shots; three of which struck Corporal Kelly. Despite being injured, Corporal Kelly managed to return fire and shield himself behind the guard rail until the threat was gone and his fellow Trooper was safe. After the subject fled the scene, Corporal Kelly assessed his injuries and gauged he’d been shot close to his femoral artery. Using a personal tourniquet, he was able to control the bleeding from his leg and make it to the hospital. On the same day, the suspect was apprehended taken to the hospital and charged with Attempted Homicide of a Law Enforcement Officer and several other counts. Corporal Kelly’s injuries left him in a medically induced coma for 12 days. Corporal Kelly has made significant progress in his recovery and looks forward to serving the people of Pennsylvania once again.

“Congratulations to our 2017 Trooper of the Year Corporal Seth Kelly. IACP is proud to honor your courage, professionalism, and dedication to your community. We appreciate your continued commitment to public service. All four finalists are exceptional examples of the heroism displayed by law enforcement officers across the globe. On behalf of the entire association, congratulations and thank you for your public service,” said IACP President Louis M. Dekmar, Chief of Police, LaGrange Police Department.

The other IACP/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year finalists were Corporal Hope Hohertz, Texas Department of Public Safety; Trooper Adam Whitmarsh, Nevada Highway Patrol; and Trooper Dustin Henningsen, Iowa State Patrol. Their stories can be found on the IACP blog at: http://bit.ly/2u1gZKr.