Police Heritage Museum

03/27/2026

Honoring the Life and Service of Officer Matthew Straub

It is with deep sadness that the Northern York County Regional Police Department announces the passing of Officer Matthew Straub, age 55, on March 22, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Officer Straub dedicated 14 years of service to NYCRPD and the communities we are privileged to serve. Throughout his career, he exemplified professionalism, integrity, and a quiet commitment to doing the job the right way. He was a dependable presence on patrol, a supportive partner to his fellow officers, and someone who carried out his duties with humility and compassion.

Matt’s strength was evident not only in his service, but also in the way he faced his illness—with resilience, dignity, and the unwavering support of his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, step-son, and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Officer Straub’s legacy is one of steady service and dedication to others. His contributions to this department and the communities we serve will not be forgotten.

Rest easy Matt. We have it from here.

02/22/2026

The Police Heritage Museum would like to pause and reflect upon the 1 year anniversary of the loss of West York Borough Police Officer, Andrew Duarte. Officer Duarte gave his life in the midst of a shooting and hostage situation inside UPMC Memorial Hospital, in York, PA, on 2/22/2025. We stand with his family, his department, and all of the other officers, 911 dispatchers, doctors and nurses affected that day. We are with you, we have you, and are always here for you.

02/07/2026

Throughout the month of February, the City of York proudly celebrates individuals who helped shape York’s Black history.

Today, we honor:
Patrolman Samuel Alexander “Sam” Green
York City’s 2nd Black police officer, appointed in 1902

Patrolman Green’s life and legacy extended well beyond his badge. Historical newspaper accounts reveal a dedicated public servant who was respected by his colleagues and actively engaged in city life. An April 20, 1905 article even noted his participation in a police–fire department baseball game - offering a rare glimpse of camaraderie and community among York’s public safety employees at the time.
Records show that Green served well beyond his original 1902 appointment. In February 1906, the York Daily documented his arrest of a young man following a complaint from the man’s father, as well as Green’s role in investigating a possible burglary at 111 East Market Street, then owned by the Rupp family. His steady presence on the streets of York continued to be reflected in the news.
That same year, fellow patrolmen demonstrated their respect for Green in a meaningful way. Patrolman Shenberger and three other officers pooled their own money to present Green with a four-foot policeman’s mace. The gift ensured he carried the same protective equipment as his colleagues - an important and symbolic act of professional respect during an era marked by racial division.
Green’s name continued to appear in the paper for his service to the city. In January 1908, six years after his confirmation, he was again reported making an arrest at the corner of Market and Beaver Streets. Throughout his career, newspaper accounts consistently reflected his steady, dedicated service to the people of York.

His obituary noted that he had served under two mayors—Hugentugler and Lafean - and described him as one of York’s oldest and most prominent “Negro” citizens.
During Black History Month 2026, the City of York proudly honors Patrolman Samuel Alexander “Sam” Green—a trailblazer, public servant, and an important figure in York’s Black history and law enforcement legacy.

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Information provided by:
Samantha L. Dorm
Local Historian

09/30/2025

York county police pipes and drums was assisted by 10 bands over 90 pipers and drummers to honor the northern regional officers killed in the line of duty

09/27/2025

https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/columnists/2025/09/24/these-york-county-pa-police-officers-died-in-the-line-of-duty/86308029007/

Until the shooting of Northern Regional officers, the deaths of 3 firefighters in 1904 was the costliest mass casualty event involving 1st responders.

06/07/2025

https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/columnists/2025/06/06/york-countys-police-heritage-museum-seeks-new-home/84007664007/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKv7jdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFaSGRnSG9Bb3JTNmhTTHlEAR5HpfWh6z8y8nk83uo5UkJTzOp4XxJ8YeUsq2l-uMtAldKZcSu1Cg4Etz-O1g_aem_NrDGPzqAVLJnB0qjVbCjig

Organizers are appealing to the public for quarters that would house the reopened Police Heritage Museum.

06/01/2025

Today marks the end of the Spring Garden Township Police Department. Those officers are now part of the York County Regional Police Department, which will now provide police protection to the citizens of Spring Garden Township.

Our research shows that the department was started in August of 1923 when the township appointed Adam Peters of Violet Hill as a motorcycle officer to enforce traffic regulations on the township roadways.

05/28/2025

The Police Heritage Museum is selling our COIN!!!!!! The Lower Windsor Police is teaming with the museum and will be selling the coins at the department for $10 each. Please feel free to contact Chief Thomas or his staff for a coin while they last.

05/02/2025

Although we’d like to put this tragedy out of our minds, we are a museum that shares the real truth about law enforcement, the good, the bad, and the ugly. We, here at the Police Heritage Museum, honor and support all those that were there that fateful day. Officer Andrew Duarte will be remembered, not just for the way he died, but for the way he lived. His mother, family and blue family will forever be in our hearts, as we continue to grieve such a tragic loss.

04/14/2025

This event is open for everyone

02/23/2025

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our law enforcement community after a tragic incident this morning in West Manchester Township.

Our West York Borough family is suffering a painful loss today in response to a tragic mutual aid call earlier today in West Manchester Township at UPMC. Our hearts break at the innocent loss of life.

Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to West York Borough Police Officer, Andrew Duarte's family and all of our brothers and sisters in the West York Borough Police Department that have lost a comrade and friend, and furthermore our fellow Borough agencies that have lost a colleague. Our community grieves the loss of a hero.

We ask that the community come together in solidarity, respect and prayer at this time as broken hearts mourn. You are welcome to lay flowers in a show of support and respect at 1381 West Poplar Street, West York Borough, Pennsylvania

We also offer prayers for the other agencies involved and innocent members of the community involved at this time.

Our agency has no further comment out of respect for the families involved and respect for the process.

God's speed Officer Duarte.
Your West York Borough family