Toomey Invites Trooper Alex Douglass to State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) has invited Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Alex Douglass to be his guest at the State of the Union address on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Trooper Douglass has accepted the invitation to watch President Obama's speech in person.

Each member of Congress may have a guest sit in the gallery that overlooks the House of Representatives chamber. Previously, Sen. Toomey has hosted State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, York Mayor Kim Bracey, and Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott.

Trooper Alex Douglass, a resident of Olyphant, Lackawanna County, is a 10-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. In 2014, Douglass was critically wounded, and his fellow State Trooper Corporal Bryon Dickson was killed, in an ambush attack on the Blooming Grove police barracks. The killer, who sought to murder police officers, fled, but was eventually captured after a seven-week manhunt through Pennsylvania. Douglass was awarded the Pennsylvania State Police's Purple Heart for his actions and bravery on the night of the attack.

Douglass recently participated in the New York City marathon, using an adaptive bike to complete the course. Trooper Douglass participates in physical therapy several hours a day and is looking forward to returning to the police force when he fully recovers.

"I am delighted that Trooper Douglass is able to join me as a guest for the State of the Union address," said Sen. Toomey. "His bravery is an inspiration. Trooper Douglass epitomizes the courage and self-sacrifice our law enforcement officers show every day, as they put themselves in harm's way to protect us. I look forward to Trooper Douglass's visit to Washington, D.C. and his return to the PA State Troopers."

"It is an honor to attend the State of the Union address," said Trooper Alex Douglass. "It is also an honor to be invited by Sen. Pat Toomey to attend. It is a one in a lifetime opportunity. This is just another fine example of the community coming together after the tragic Blooming Grove incident. I feel privileged to represent the Pennsylvania State Police and all other law enforcement agencies in the country."

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