Plumstead Police Remember Officer Killed In Crash 19 Years Ago

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — The Plumstead Township Police Department is remembering a police officer who died while on duty 19 years ago.

Joseph E. Hanusey III was responding to back up another officer when he lost control of his patrol car and struck some trees at Route 611 and Haring Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 30-year-old officer from Pipersville had been employed with the department for just five years. He is survived by his wife, parents, sister and two brothers.

"Joe Hanusey was an asset both to the Plumstead Township Police Department and to the entire community he served," Plumstead police said in a statement following his death. "Joe's family lost a son, a loving husband and a brother. Our community lost a police officer, a friend, a colleague and a leader."

In May 2014, Plumstead Township dedicated a park in his name. The Hanusey Community Park on Gordon Road includes three basketball courts, two baseball fields, three soccer fields, walking trails, a pavilion and community center.

The Plumstead Township Police Department Explorer's Post was created in 2013 and dedicated in Hanusey's honor.

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