On a quiet morning in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, tragedy and heroism unfolded in rapid succession. On August 7, 2025, a violent ambush left two Pennsylvania State Troopers, William Jenkins and Joseph Perechinsky, seriously injured and a local resident, Lori Wasko, dead. The events shook the rural community, but also showcased the resilience and solidarity of law enforcement and neighbors alike.
The ordeal began when Carmine Faino, age 61, shot and killed his 57-year-old neighbor, Lori Wasko, along the 20100 block of State Route 171 in Thompson Township, as reported by WNEP and corroborated by The New York Times. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, but the subsequent chain of events would test the limits of emergency responders and the strength of the local community.
After fatally shooting Wasko, Faino turned his weapon on Pennsylvania State Troopers William Jenkins and Joseph Perechinsky, who were responding to the initial call. According to police reports and local news coverage, Faino fired several dozen rounds at the troopers. Jenkins was struck once in each arm, while Perechinsky was hit twice in the chest and torso. Despite his injuries, Perechinsky managed to apply tourniquets to Jenkins’ arms, a quick-thinking act that may have saved his colleague’s life. He then commandeered a tractor-trailer to block Route 171, preventing further danger to incoming traffic and first responders.
As the situation escalated, officers from multiple departments—including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Blakely, Taylor, and Pittston—rushed to support their fellow troopers. The Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team was soon on the scene. Faino, now barricaded inside a barn on his property, continued to pose a threat. After a tense three-hour standoff, officers confronted Faino. The confrontation ended with Faino being shot and killed by police, putting an end to the immediate danger but leaving a community in mourning and shock.
In the chaos, an EMT responding to the scene was also fired upon by Faino. The EMT crashed his vehicle while attempting to evade the gunfire, but, fortunately, suffered only minor injuries from the crash. The incident underscored the unpredictable risks that first responders face in the line of duty, even in rural communities where such violence is rare.
Both Trooper Jenkins and Trooper Perechinsky underwent emergency surgery the day of the attack, as noted by The New York Times. Jenkins was flown to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, while Perechinsky was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. The road to recovery would not be easy, but the outpouring of support from law enforcement and the public was immediate and heartfelt.
On August 9, 2025, just two days after the shooting, Trooper William Jenkins was released from the hospital in Scranton. The moment was marked by a moving display of solidarity: officers from departments across the region lined up to show their support as Jenkins exited the hospital. Nicole Jenkins, William’s wife, described the experience as deeply emotional. “Sad, happy. Glad he’s okay. Glad everybody’s okay, and just glad that we’re here to see another day,” she told WNEP. The gesture of support from law enforcement was not lost on the Jenkins family. Nicole added, “It’s very overwhelming to know the support that we get from not only the community, but from all the police departments and PSP. It’s a huge honor given the circumstances.”
Trooper Perechinsky, though still hospitalized as of August 9, was listed in good condition. His release date was not immediately clear, but his actions during the ambush—rendering aid to Jenkins despite his own injuries and taking measures to protect others on the scene—were widely praised by colleagues and the public. The heroism displayed by both troopers resonated across Pennsylvania, prompting renewed discussion about the dangers faced by law enforcement and the importance of mutual support in times of crisis.
The ambush in Susquehanna County was not an isolated incident. Jenkins and Perechinsky became the fifth and sixth Pennsylvania State Police troopers shot in the line of duty since January 2023, according to state police records. The frequency of such attacks has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies and policymakers. While Pennsylvania is not typically associated with high-profile ambushes or violence against police, the incident has reignited debates about officer safety, mental health resources, and the pressures facing rural communities.
The tragic loss of Lori Wasko, described by neighbors as a kind and involved member of the community, has left a lasting impact. Friends and family gathered in the days following the shooting to remember her life and mourn her untimely death. Meanwhile, investigators continue to piece together the events and motivations that led to the deadly confrontation. Community leaders have called for greater attention to mental health issues and conflict resolution resources, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
For the families of those involved, the ordeal has been both harrowing and humbling. The Jenkins family, in particular, expressed gratitude for the support they received. Nicole Jenkins recounted the surprise and emotion of seeing so many officers waiting outside the hospital, a testament to the strong bonds within the law enforcement community. “I had no idea the officers were waiting for us as we left the hospital. It was very overwhelming,” she said. The sense of unity and shared purpose was palpable, even as the community grappled with grief and unanswered questions.
As Trooper Jenkins begins his recovery at home and Trooper Perechinsky continues to heal, the people of Susquehanna County are left to reflect on a week that tested their resolve. The events of August 7, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who protect and serve, and the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. The story of Jenkins, Perechinsky, and the community that rallied around them will not soon be forgotten in Pennsylvania.
