Kinkead, Williams celebrate dedication of Chief Vernon Moses Memorial Highway
Portion of Route 19 named in memory of slain police chief
Rep. Emily Kinkead September 8, 2022 | 4:38 PM
ROSS TOWNSHIP, Sept. 8 – Today, state Rep. Emily Kinkead and state Sen. Lindsey Williams, both D-Allegheny, joined members of the Ross Township Police Department, local officials, and family members of the late Chief Vernon Moses for the dedication of the Chief Vernon Moses Memorial Highway.
The portion of U.S. Route 19 between Ivory Avenue and Cemetery Lane in Ross Township is now officially recognized as the Chief Vernon Moses Memorial Highway, with a newly erected PennDOT sign displaying the title.
Moses, the only officer killed in the line of duty in the department’s 100-year history, was tragically gunned down along this section of the road on May 3, 1932.
“I never met [my grandfather], my mother was in labor with me when he was killed,” said Ronald Rickley, Moses’ grandson. “The family is very moved by this honor. I want to thank everybody, thank you very much.”
The highway dedication is the result of legislative efforts by Kinkead and Williams, who drafted language that was included in Act 23 of 2022.
“Chief Moses’ legacy could have been lost to history,” said Kinkead. “But because of the dedication of the Ross Township Police Department, specifically Sgt. J.J. Serowik, the Ross Township Board of Commissioners, the family of Chief Moses, and all of our partners in this work, more members of our community will learn about the man who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect that community.”
“This road-naming bill was the first of its kind that I introduced as a member of the State Senate,” said Williams. “It’s so meaningful to me that this legislation honors a public servant who lost his life in the line of duty from gun violence.”
Dan DeMarco, president of the Ross Township Board of Commissioners, also spoke at the event, praising Kinkead and Williams for spearheading the renaming effort and emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sacrifice that law enforcement officers make.
“We are thankful for our General Assembly members for making this dedication possible, because this not only secures the legacy of Chief Moses but it will also serve as a well-deserved recognition and legacy of the sacrifice that every Ross Township police officer makes for us every day.”
In May, the Ross Township Police Department received a standing ovation at the Capitol as they were recognized for the centennial anniversary of their founding.
Current Chief Joseph Ley offered gratitude to both lawmakers, stating “Without these two, this dedication wouldn’t be happening. We’re greatly appreciative of all the hard work they’ve done to make this happen.”
Photos from the event are available here.