Hatboro Police Sergeant Dies After Sudden Illness

HATBORO, PA — A sergeant with the Hatboro Police Department died Monday morning after falling ill just one day earlier, according to the borough.

The Borough of Hatboro announced the death of Sgt. James C. Petrik, 46, on social media Monday afternoon. His "unfortunate and tragic" death was not related to the new coronavirus, borough officials said.

Petrik was a 21-year veteran of the Hatboro Police Department who, among other duties, handled public information duties. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and, before joining the Hatboro department, worked as a dispatcher with neighboring Horsham Township Police.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn, and three teen sons, Jimmy, Jason and Justin. Funeral arrangements were yet to be announced Monday afternoon.

"Please keep the Petrik Family and our officers at the Hatboro Police Department in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult and sad time," the borough said in its post.