On May 18, 2026, Bensalem Township Fire Rescue shared a quiet but powerful tribute to two Bensalem Township police officers who died in the line of duty decades ago. The photos honor Officer James Kenneth Armstrong and Officer Robert N. Yezzi, briefly recounting how they were killed and how they served the community.
In a Facebook post by Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department, the captions salute the officers' “sacrifice, service and memory” and urge residents to remember “all brave officers” who lost their lives. The tribute is paired with archival images of wreaths, badges and officers standing at roll call, underscoring that these are not just names in a file but colleagues still remembered.
Officer Killed During Felony Stop
Officer James Kenneth Armstrong, 28, was fatally shot on April 15, 1975, during a felony traffic stop of a suspect linked to an armed robbery, according to Patch. His K-9 partner was seriously wounded in the same incident but recovered and later returned to duty, memorial accounts note. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, as reported by Patch.
Officer Struck During Pedestrian Stop
Officer Robert N. Yezzi died on August 12, 1980, after he was struck by a vehicle while investigating a suspicious pedestrian, according to the Bensalem Police Department. Local accounts state that a knife was produced during the encounter and that Yezzi backed into traffic before being hit. The person who brandished the knife was later convicted of aggravated assault on a police officer, according to local coverage.
Why The Remembrances Matter
Remembrances like the Fire Rescue post have become part of regular observances that keep decades-old losses in the public eye while offering support to surviving family members and former colleagues. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office and area departments have in recent years taken part in ceremonies marking the anniversary of Armstrong's death, as reported by Patch, reinforcing that these officers are still part of the region’s story.
Legal Notes
Court records reflect the original murder case and later proceedings in state appellate courts. For additional background on the conviction and subsequent appeals, see the Pennsylvania Supreme Court opinion archived at Justia.
