PHOTO PROVIDED
From left, Commissioner Amber Concepcion, Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins, Sheriff Bryan Sampsel, Chief Deputy Todd Weaver and Commissioner Steve Dershem pose following the proclamation of May 15 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in Centre County.
BELLEFONTE — At this week’s commissioners meeting, Centre County officials recognized three annual observances that focus on public safety and mental health: Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, Mental Health Awareness Month and Emergency Medical Services Week. Each is being marked locally with related ceremonies, outreach efforts and community events throughout the county.
Together, they highlight the work of the law enforcement officers, mental health advocates and emergency medical professionals who respond to crises, provide care and support residents across Centre County throughout the year.
PEACE OFFICERS’ MEMORIAL DAY
In honor of the 113 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2025, the Centre County Commissioners issued their annual proclamation designating May 15 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in Centre County.
Sheriff Bryan Sampsel accepted the proclamation on behalf of the local law enforcement community and invited the public to attend the Centre County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony today at noon on the front lawn of the county courthouse.
Held annually in Bellefonte, the ceremony honors law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the past year. This year’s event will also recognize the 22 police canines that died in service in 2025. The event will be held rain or shine and is expected to last about 45 minutes. State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff will deliver the keynote address.
While the number of officers killed in the line of duty this year was lower than average, Sampsel said he hopes there will one day be a year without any fatalities.
“This ceremony stands as a reminder that there are those men and women who take on the responsibility for the safety of their communities,” said Sampsel. “Those law enforcement officers are mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, volunteers, coaches and members of your community.”
Speaking on behalf of Centre County, Commissioner Mark Higgins said, “the community appreciates their sacrifice.”
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Tuesday’s commissioners meeting also included the commissioners’ annual proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, presented in partnership with the Jana Marie Foundation.
Marisa Vicere, the foundation’s president and founder, and Helen DeFilippis of the Centre County Office of Mental Health, outlined upcoming events and ongoing mental health initiatives in the county during the presentation.
“Mental health is health,” said Vicere. “It is something we need to be proactive in taking care of for ourselves and those around us.”
Vicere said the Jana Marie Foundation, the largest mental health and suicide prevention nonprofit in Centre County, works to do that every day and is grateful during May to help amplify the voices of agencies across the county and nation that are making a difference in the lives of people struggling with their mental health.
This Saturday, May 16, more than 20 of those organizations will gather in downtown State College to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month at MLK Jr. Plaza on Fraser Street, with activities focused on movement, community building and creative expression.
J.A.M. Fest is a community-wide mental wellness day aimed at increasing well-being, building connections and fostering self-expression. It will feature live music, yoga, meditation, artwork and hands-on activities for the whole family.
The Jana Marie Foundation will also bring its new Wellness Mobile, a sprinter van equipped with the functionalities to bring mental health programming to Centre County’s rural communities. The foundation hopes the vehicle will serve as a mobile space for decompressing, delivering evidence-based educational programs and hosting activities.
The Wellness Mobile was made possible through seed funding from GIANT and support from the JB Griffin Memorial Foundation and the Hamer Foundation.
“It’s going to be a really fun day for everyone to come out and be part of,” said Vicere.
To learn more about J.A.M. Fest, visit www.janamariefoundation.org/jam-fest/.
Alongside community events, Vicere and DeFilippis also pointed to ongoing efforts to expand mental health training and resources.
DeFilippis said the county, in partnership with the Jana Marie Foundation, has trained more than 40 county employees in Mental Health First Aid, many of whom are court-affiliated employees. Additional training for children and youth workers is planned for later this month through support from the foundation and state grant funding.
In partnership with Skills of Central Pennsylvania, the county has also launched a new mental health resource website: www.mhcccentre.com. The Mental Health Community Committee website is designed as a supplement to existing “purple book” guides and a centralized hub for local information and services.
“We really believe that mental wellness and mental health are for everyone,” DeFilippis said.
Commissioners emphasized that support is available for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or needing additional assistance.
“There are services available, there is support and a safety net for anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or who needs some extra support,” said Commissioner Concepcion.
Additional resources are available through Centre County at www.centrecountypa.gov/341/Mental-Health.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
The final proclamation recognized the community members and medical professionals that work tirelessly to provide lifesaving care to the residents and visitors of Centre County.
Emergency Medical Services Week dedicates May 17, 2026, through May 23, 2026, to the teams who work challenging hours in challenging situations to respond to emergencies and deliver critical, lifesaving care across the county.
Representatives from EMS agencies throughout Centre County were in attendance to accept the proclamation.
From paramedics and emergency nurses to first responders and trained members of the public, emergency medical practitioners help fill gaps in out-of-hospital care.
Commissioners highlighted the importance of these services in keeping the community safe, noting that EMS professionals undergo thousands of hours of specialized training and education. Officials said the county is fortunate to have so many skilled providers ready to respond.
Josh Fremberg, president of the Centre County Ambulance Association, praised his fellow EMS professionals for their dedication despite ongoing operational challenges.
“On behalf of Centre County EMS, I wanted to express our sincere appreciation for this proclamation recognizing EMS Week,” said Fremberg. “Your support sends a powerful message that the work being done everyday in our community matters.”
He described EMS as a bridge between crisis and care.
“We meet people at their worst days, bringing skill, compassion and calm when it matters most,” he said.
In Centre County, Fremberg said that work happens at “an incredible scale,” noting that the county’s 13 licensed EMS agencies respond to more than 25,000 calls each year.
“That means tens of thousands of times each year someone picks up the phone, calls for help and knows that someone will come,” he said. “Those responses are powered by dedicated professionals, many of whom are balancing long hours, difficult calls and the realities of a demanding career.”
Fremberg noted that workforce shortages, high turnover rates and funding and reimbursement discrepancies pose challenges to EMS organizations nationwide.
“And yet, despite these challenges, EMS providers continue to show up. They show up at 2 am. They show up in bad weather. They show up for neighbors, friends and complete strangers. That commitment is what makes EMS not just a service, but a calling,” Fremberg said, closing by stating, “It is an honor to serve this community.”
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