Tragedy in York County: A Call to Prayer and Compassion

With heavy hearts, we grieve the devastating events that unfolded yesterday in North Codorus Township. Three Northern York County Regional Police officers—Detective Sergeant Cody Becker (39), Detective Mark Baker (53), and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser (43)—lost their lives in the line of duty. Two more officers were wounded, and the suspect, Matthew James Ruth (24), also lost his life during the encounter.

Our prayers are with:

• The families and loved ones of the fallen officers.
• The wounded officers and their medical teams.
• The entire law enforcement community who daily face great danger to serve and protect.
• And yes, even with the family of the perpetrator, who are now also facing a different kind of grief, pain, and confusion.

In moments like this, we are reminded that only God sees the full picture, and only He can bring light into such deep darkness.
A Word from Scripture

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
— Romans 12:21

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
— Psalm 103:8

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13

How We Respond as the Body of Christ
In the face of heartbreak and injustice, our faith calls us to:

• Pray earnestly for all who mourn—officers’ families, wounded survivors, and even the family of the young man who caused this tragedy.
• Stand together in unity, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
• Pursue peace, even in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23).
• Reject hatred, and instead reflect Christ’s mercy—even when it’s hardest.

Let us be a people who shine the light of Christ in times of sorrow, and who trust that He is still at work, even now.

In Christ's grace and love,

Twin Valley Alliance Church