Posted: 8/29/2007 1:26:42 PM EDT
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Rest in peace brother! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Aug. 28, 2007 Department of State Police 1800 Elmerton Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17110 CONTACT: Cpl. Linette G. Quinn Jack J. Lewis 717-783-5556 TPR. BALL’S DEDICATION, ENTHUSIASM RECALLED Second Active Member of State Police Killed in Military Action since World War II HARRISBURG – Tpr. Scott R. Ball of Carlisle, who was killed Aug. 27 while serving with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in Afghanistan, was described today by State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller as “a dedicated trooper who carried out his duties with a high degree of professionalism and enthusiasm.” Ball, 38, was killed when American and Afghan soldiers were ambushed in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. Ball was a master sergeant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and was part of an embedded training team assisting the Afghan National Army. Miller said Ball, who was assigned to Troop H, Carlisle, became the second active member of the State Police killed in military action since World War II. Tpr. Daniel R. Lightner of Hollidaysburg was killed in Iraq on Oct. 27, 2005, while serving with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Ball enlisted in the State Police on Sept. 7, 1999, and graduated from the State Police Academy as a member of the 106th Cadet Class on March 25, 2000. Ball was assigned to the Patrol Unit at Troop K, Philadelphia, following graduation. He later served at stations in Media, York and Chambersburg before joining the Carlisle station on July 6, 2002. He was a member of the State Police Motorcycle Unit and served as a field training officer who mentored new troopers. Ball was a former active duty soldier and enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1992. He had been on military leave from State Police since last October and had been deployed to Afghanistan since February. “It was rare to see Tpr. Ball without a smile on his face,” Miller said. “Those who worked with him on a daily basis said he had an even temperament and took on all tasks without complaint. Tpr. Ball always was ready for a new challenge. He was devoted to serving the people of this state and this nation. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.” Miller said Ball was a graduate of West Perry Senior High School and received an associate’s degree from Harrisburg Area Community College. Survivors include his widow, Leslie; their children, Tyler, 10, and Allie, 6; and his mother. |
