RED LION, Pa. (AP) — Three Pennsylvania detectives shot to death last week while attempting to arrest a stalking suspect were remembered at their funeral Thursday as exemplary officers and devoted family men.
The service for Northern York County Regional Police detectives Cody Michael Becker, Mark Edward Baker and Isaiah Emenheiser was held more than a week after they were ambushed by a man accused of stalking.
Hundreds of police officers mourned at Living Word Community Church in Red Lion, with Chief David L. Lash urging those present to consider the high cost of service. “They confronted some of the most evil human behaviors imaginable. And not only did they face those challenges, they did so while holding fast to faith, compassion and uncompromising honor,” Lash said.
According to autopsy results, all three officers died from multiple gunshot wounds during the incident. The attacker, 24-year-old Matthew James Ruth, struck as detectives opened the door to the woman’s home, and he was killed in return fire.
All three detectives were highly regarded in their community, each fondly remembered for their personal lives as well as their professional accomplishments. Becker, 39, recognized for heroic acts of bravery, is survived by his wife and two children. Baker, 53, left behind four children and was noted for his compassionate nature. Emenheiser, 43, was depicted by colleagues as a mentor who prided himself on community engagement, leaving behind a widow and two children.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Miller shared poignant stories about Emenheiser’s mentoring and commitment to community service, further emphasizing the profound losses felt by peers and family alike. As the community mourns, the sacrifices of these officers will not be forgotten.
