HARRISBURG – Gov. Josh Shapiro presented the 2025 Keystone First Responder Award to the surviving families of three PA heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony, held at the Governor’s Residence, marked the second annual presentation of the award created by bipartisan legislation signed by the Governor last year. The award recognizes first responders who have suffered fatal or career-ending injuries while serving their communities, honoring their bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to public safety. The three awardees recognized this year were Patrolman Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department, who was killed in February during a hospital hostage incident in York County, giving his final moments to protecting his colleagues. Sgt. Jaime Roman of the Philadelphia Police Department was shot while on duty in Kensington and passed away after more than 80 days in critical condition. And Assistant Fire Chief Edward “Chip” Chidester, a 40-year member of the Harford Volunteer Fire Company, died from complications of injuries sustained while fighting a large brush fire in Susquehanna County.
