CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police honored two Troop H troopers who were shot during a 2025 Franklin County incident with the department’s Purple Heart during a ceremony Monday at Bishop McDevitt High School.
Troopers Lucas C. Amarose and Thomas R. Pack, both assigned to the Chambersburg station, were recognized for injuries sustained in the line of duty on Oct. 8, 2025, during a shooting that followed a retail theft investigation and vehicle pursuit along Interstate 81.
According to state police, the incident began when troopers responded to a reported theft at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Guilford Township. Surveillance and witness accounts indicated three suspects left the store with more than $1,000 in merchandise and fled in a van toward I-81.
Troopers located the vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The chase ended in Antrim Township near Exit 3 after spike strips disabled the vehicle. Two female passengers exited and complied with police commands, but a male suspect remained inside.
Authorities said the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Lamar Lorenzo Foy of Maryland, opened fire on troopers after they attempted to remove him from the vehicle. During what officials described as a “fierce gunfight,” Foy shot both troopers before being fatally shot by return fire.
Pack was struck multiple times in the leg, while Amarose suffered gunshot wounds to his elbow and pelvis. Both were airlifted to WellSpan York Hospital, where Pack was later released and Amarose was treated for serious injuries.
Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink previously ruled the troopers’ use of deadly force was justified, calling it “absolutely necessary” under the circumstances.
State police credited the use of tourniquets and trauma kits with saving the troopers’ lives in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Court records show the two female suspects, identified as Amir Swift and Giani McGowan, both 21 and from Baltimore, face felony charges including retail theft, conspiracy and drug-related offenses. Investigators reported finding suspected narcotics, cash and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
During Monday’s ceremony, Dr. Vincent Barnhart was also recognized with the Outstanding Citizenship Award after stopping to assist the wounded troopers before emergency crews arrived. Officials said Barnhart, who had been leaving a nearby medical facility, rendered aid despite the active and dangerous scene.
Additional Purple Heart honors were presented to Troopers Joseph Perechinsky and William K. Jenkins III of Troop R, Gibson, who were wounded in a separate ambush in Susquehanna County.
The ceremony also included recognition of three troopers — David M. Bair, Christopher M. Cleveland and Jordan M. Rhodes — as Troopers of the Year for their work in solving a homicide case that had remained unsolved for more than six decades.
“Today’s honorees exemplify the courage and commitment of the Pennsylvania State Police,” Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, acting commissioner, said in a statement. “Their actions reflect a dedication to protecting communities across the Commonwealth.”
