Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR438

Caption

Honoring the lives and extending deepest condolences to the families of Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser and Detective Mark Edward Baker.

Summary

House Resolution 438 is a commemorative resolution honoring the lives of Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker, three law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The resolution recounts their personal backgrounds, education, family lives, and careers in public service, emphasizing their dedication to policing, community service, and mentorship. It also highlights specific acts of bravery and professional accomplishments, such as lifesaving efforts, specialized forensic work, and leadership roles within their departments. The resolution does not create new programs, penalties, or regulatory requirements. Its legal effect is limited to an official expression of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ respect and condolences, and it serves as a formal public tribute entered into the legislative record. Because it is a resolution rather than a bill amending statutes, it does not alter state law or affect agency operations, but it does recognize the officers’ service and sacrifice on behalf of the Commonwealth. The general sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly supportive and solemn. It was introduced as a noncontroversial resolution under House Rule 35, which indicates it was expected to move without dispute. The tone of the measure is respectful and memorializing, with bipartisan-style sponsorship and no recorded committee debate or votes suggesting opposition. There is little apparent contention in the available materials. The resolution is purely honorary, so there are no policy disagreements over funding, enforcement, or statutory change. Any discussion would likely center only on the appropriateness of the tribute and the details of the officers’ service, but the bill text and context show broad, unqualified recognition of their sacrifice and contributions.

Impact

HR 438 has no substantive impact on Pennsylvania statutes, regulations, or government programs. As a House resolution, it functions as an official legislative tribute and condolence statement, recognizing three fallen detectives and preserving their service in the public record. It affects no private parties or agencies beyond the symbolic acknowledgment by the House of Representatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment is uniformly respectful, mournful, and supportive. The resolution was introduced as noncontroversial under Rule 35, and the available record shows no committee opposition, amendments, or recorded votes. The measure reflects shared appreciation for law enforcement service and a desire to honor the officers’ families and communities.

Contention

There is no notable policy contention in the available record. Because the resolution is commemorative only, it does not raise disputes over law enforcement policy, spending, or legal authority. The only potentially sensitive aspect is the solemn subject matter itself—the deaths of three officers in the line of duty—but the text presents that issue as a basis for unanimous tribute rather than disagreement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR383

Honoring the life and extending condolences to the family of Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker.

PA S04262

Relates to promotions of police detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants for retirement purposes.

PA A05376

Relates to promotions of police detectives, sergeants, and lieutenants for retirement purposes.

PA K00409

Mourning the death of Assistant Chief of Detectives Gregory Simonian of the Buffalo Police Department

PA H5241

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SERGEANT MICHAEL W. LAWING

PA SCR78

Detective Sergeant Ed Wilkinson, Deputy Sheriff Brent Jameson, and Deputy Sheriff Bliss Magly Memorial Overcrossing.

PA H3640

Relative to private detectives and private investigators

PA A655

Omits State Police detectives from Open Public Records Act.

PA A4235

Requires private detectives to register their foreign employers with State Police.

PA H5191

Detective William Singleton Memorial Highway

Similar Bills

PA SR303

Recognizing the week of May 10 through 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" and designating May 4, 2026, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR479

Honoring the memory of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

US SR735

A resolution designating the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week".

US HR1252

Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.