Crime & Safety
Thousands Honor Slain Police Officer
Police, fire and emergency personnel filled Northampton Community College's Spartan Hall for a public service honoring Freemansburg Police Officer Robert Lasso, killed in the line of duty
Thousands of people, including hundreds of police officers from the Lehigh Valley and beyond, came to the Spartan Center at Northampton Community College to honor Freemansburg Police Officer Robert Lasso.
Lasso was shot and killed responding to a call about a disturbance in Freemansburg on Thursday.
Departments from as far away as Virginia, Harrisburg and New York were among those represented at the public service, according to a report on The Express-Times website.
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Lasso was eulogized by Borough Police Chief George Bruneio and the Rev. Richard L. Teitsworth of First UCC of Hellertown.
Bruneio described Lasso as a good family man and father who had an infectious smile. Teitsworth said the words “protect and serve” truly represent Lasso’s life, according to The Morning Call’s account.
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The Express-Times also reported on the people who waited along the motorcade route in Freemansburg, with one resident saying the small town would never be the same.
Lasso was killed responding to a call at 440 New St., the home of George Hitcho, who is charged in the crime.
Lasso was reportedly being attacked by two dogs in Hitcho’s yard and pointed a stun gun at them before he was killed. Bruneio ordered Lasso to “shoot the dogs” before Hitcho allegedly to the officer’s head.
Hitcho is in Northampton County Prison, where he was committed without bail.
Lasson is survived by his wife and two small children, as well as his parents and many other family members and friends.
