Pocono News Section

Red Cross Heroes Honored

Red Cross Heroes Honored - Friday, June 4, 2010 at 04:11AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Friday June 04 2010

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY- Seven people and one dog were recognized at the American Red Cross Heroes breakfast in Plains Township. Some carried out fire rescues, while others helped at the scene of crashes or other emergencies within the past year.

Two of them were State Police troopers who risked their lives to save a child from domestic violence. One of them, Trooper Joshua Miller, died in the incident. His partner, Trooper Robert Lombardo was injured.

Angela Miller, Trooper Joshua Miller's widow said, "He's always been our hero."

Angela Miller speaks proudly of her husband Josh as he's posthumously honored with the Red Cross Law Enforcement Heroes Award.

Angela Miller said, "To honor Joshua is um... it's very heartwarming to our family for the girls."

She stays strong for her children, one-year after her husband was killed in the line of duty. Trooper Miller and fellow State Police officer Robert Lombardo were shot last June 7th responding to a domestic violence call that led to a police chase.

They managed to save a 9-year-old boy abducted by his father -- but only after Trooper Miller gave his life and Trooper Lombardo was injured.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Robert Lombardo said, "The true hero in this incident to me is Trooper Miller. He paid the ultimate sacrifice. He did what we're supposed to do. You know, risk your own life for somebody else."

The deadly shootout led to an outpouring of support for the Miller family, something that's been a great comfort to Trooper Miller's widow and his daughters Justine, Breana and his youngest, Joslyn.

Miller said, "We constantly hear people tell us stories of either seeing him, running into him or just complete strangers who never knew him that have now heard Joshua's story and will remember him forever."

So will Trooper Lombardo who survived that horrible night last June.
As he prepares to return to work full-time, he looks to carry on the spirit that Trooper Miller and so many law enforcement heroes share.

Lombardo said, "It's an honor to serve. You know, it's an honor to help out your community and make things a little bit better, a little bit safer."