In Recognition of Patrolman John J. Wilding for Serving and Protecting the City of Scranton

In Recognition of Patrolman John J. Wilding for Serving and Protecting the City of Scranton

In Recognition of Patrolman John J. Wilding for Serving and Protecting the City of Scranton

Congressman Matt Cartwright
Congressional Record: 114th Congress
Extensions of Remarks
July 16, 2015

SPEECH OF
HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2015

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patrolman John Wilding, whose faithful watch ended this past Sunday morning, July 12, due to injuries sustained while on duty, and those injuries tragically ended Patrolman Wilding's life the next day.

A native son of Scranton, Pennsylvania, John Wilding joined the Scranton Police Department in April 2014, after working for years to earn his place on the force. John's passion to serve and protect his city was exhibited in his work. A fixture in his community, John would regularly check in with local businesses and talk to West Scranton High School students on their way home from class as part of his policing duties.

Early this past Saturday morning, John responded to reports of a stolen vehicle in Scranton. During a pursuit, suspects exited this vehicle near the 300 block of North Main Avenue. Several officers, including Patrolman Wilding, pursued the perpetrators on foot. During the chase, John leapt over a wall not realizing that a fifteen-foot descent was on the other side. He suffered a serious head injury as a result of the fall. John succumbed to his injuries the next day at Geisinger Community Medical Center.

Patrolman Wilding is survived by his wife, Kristen Tansits Wilding, his daughter, Lola Mae, his son, Sidney Wolfgang. He was a dedicated provider for his family, but, beyond that, he was a loving husband and a playful, devoted, and protective father to his children.

It is a great tragedy to lose such a highly regarded officer of the law and an honest, well-respected man. I am grateful for John Wilding's bravery, his public service, and his dedication to our community. His watch has now ended; may he rest in peace.