Channel 11 was at the Allegheny County Police Academy on Friday as a young cadet whose father was killed in the line of duty became an officer.
It was an emotional day for Joseph J. Pokorny and his family. Pokorny's father, also named Joseph Pokorny, was killed in the line of duty in December 2005.
The younger Pokorny told Channel 11 why graduating was so important to him.
"I've been raised around it. It has been in my family, and I'm proud to follow in his footsteps," said Pokorny.
Pokorny's mother is proud her son chose the same career path as his father, but she admits she's scared, knowing firsthand that the job can be deadly.
"You just have to pray for protection, and I know he is going to be a great officer. I know his dad is really proud," said Stacy Pokorny.
Throughout the ceremony, several speakers acknowledged Pokorny's father and the sacrifice he made as a state trooper.
"Joe, my hat is off to you. I know your father is very proud of you for what you are continuing to do," said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Charles Moffitt.
The acknowledgements meant a lot to Pokorny's grandmother.
"Just the fact that they mentioned my son's name is quite an honor. Quite an honor to him. I don't think he'll be forgotten," said Florence Pokorny.
The man who killed Trooper Pokorny, Leslie Mollett, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison
It was an emotional day for Joseph J. Pokorny and his family. Pokorny's father, also named Joseph Pokorny, was killed in the line of duty in December 2005.
The younger Pokorny told Channel 11 why graduating was so important to him.
"I've been raised around it. It has been in my family, and I'm proud to follow in his footsteps," said Pokorny.
Pokorny's mother is proud her son chose the same career path as his father, but she admits she's scared, knowing firsthand that the job can be deadly.
"You just have to pray for protection, and I know he is going to be a great officer. I know his dad is really proud," said Stacy Pokorny.
Throughout the ceremony, several speakers acknowledged Pokorny's father and the sacrifice he made as a state trooper.
"Joe, my hat is off to you. I know your father is very proud of you for what you are continuing to do," said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Charles Moffitt.
The acknowledgements meant a lot to Pokorny's grandmother.
"Just the fact that they mentioned my son's name is quite an honor. Quite an honor to him. I don't think he'll be forgotten," said Florence Pokorny.
The man who killed Trooper Pokorny, Leslie Mollett, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison
WPXI
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