Mansfield University Honors State Trooper Seth Kelly ’00

MANSFIELD, PA— On November 7, 2017, Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Seth Kelly, a 2000 Mansfield University graduate, was shot and severely wounded when he and his partner came under fire during a traffic stop in Plainfield Township.

Kelly’s story of survival—beginning with his quick-thinking application of a tourniquet to his gunshot wound—received national attention.  A 13-year State Police veteran, Kelly was in intensive care for several days, underwent multiple surgeries, and continues to recover from his wounds. (L-R) Pennsylvania State Police Captain and Troop M Commander Richard H. D’Ambrosio; Scott Henry ’84, Mansfield University’s director of Police Services and Safety, director of Mansfield’s Municipal Police Academy, and retired Pennsylvania State Trooper; Casey M. Wood ’02, MU director of Alumni Relations; Corporal Seth Kelly ’00, MU President Scott Barton, Rocco Zegalia ’94, member of Mansfield University’s Alumni Board of Directors; Forks Twp. Chief of Police Gregory F. Dorney ’92. On Monday, February 12, Mansfield University Interim President Scott Barton visited with Kelly at State Police Troop M Barracks in Bethlehem and presented a Certificate of Honor and Appreciation to him on behalf of the University.

Accompanying Barton on the visit were Scott Henry ’84, Mansfield University’s director of Police Services and Safety, director of Mansfield’s Municipal Police Academy, and retired Pennsylvania State Trooper; Casey M. Wood ’02, Mansfield’s director of Alumni Relations; and Rocco Zegalia ’94, a member of Mansfield University’s Alumni Board of Directors.

“It was humbling and a true honor to meet Seth, to thank him on behalf of the Mansfield family for his courage and service, and to wish him well as he continues to recover,” Barton said. “Seth’s bravery, his tenacity, and his commitment to his community and to the Commonwealth serve as an inspiration to us all.”

“If something good comes out of this, which it already has, and another life can be saved, I’m all for it,” Kelly said. Because of his actions, troopers now carry tourniquets with them at all times while on duty.

Kelly continues to undergo rehabilitation and says as soon as the doctors clear him, he’ll return to duty.