Pa. State Trooper, 26, Killed During Training Was 'Well Liked'

The Pennsylvania State Police Trooper who was accidentally shot to death Tuesday was a former Trooper of the Month who was well liked by his colleagues, State Police said in a statement.

Initial findings from the investigation indicate David Kedra, 26, was likely accidentally shot by another member of the Pennsylvania State Police during an afternoon training exercise at the Montgomery County Public Safety Campus in Plymouth, officials said. The Pennsylvania State Police and Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.

Police said more specific information about the investigation would not be immediately released.

“Trooper Kedra was a very hard worker who applied himself to his studies and his job,” said Captain James Raykovitz, Commander Troop K. “He was a good investigator and always had a smile on his face. He was well liked by his peers and supervisors.”

According to information from the State Police, Kedra was a resident of East Coventry Township, Chester County. Raised in Northeast Philadelphia, he was a 2006 graduate of Roman Catholic High School and 2010 graduate of Temple University.

He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in June 2012 and was a member of the 134th academy class. He was assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia upon graduation and was stationed at the Troop K, Skippack station in January 2013.

“Trooper Kedra embodied everything that characterizes a Pennsylvania State Trooper,” added Raykovitz. “He was awarded Trooper of the Month at the Skippack station in July 2013 after having only six months at that station.”

Kedra enjoyed fishing, camping and skiing, according to information from the Pennsylvania State Police.

He is survived by his parents, fiancée, sister and two brothers.