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Gun That Accidentally Killed Pa. State Trooper Was Fired By Firearms Instructor

By Brad Segall, Walt Hunter

SKIPPACK, Pa. (CBS) -- As the investigation into the accidental shooting of a Pennsylvania State Police trooper at a training facility in Montgomery County continues, we are learning more about the officer who was killed.

KYW Newsradio has learned that Trooper David Kedra was shot in the chest Tuesday afternoon by a state police firearms instructor during some type of training exercise at the training campus in Conshohocken.

"Preliminary evidence indicates that Trooper Kedra was struck by a bullet accidentally discharged by another member of the Pennsylvania State Police," said Captain James Raykovitz, Commander Troop K -- Philadelphia. "However, more specific information regarding the investigation will not be released at this time."

Sources tell CBS 3 the fellow officer was demonstrating a new weapon when it accidentally discharged.

Kedra, 26, had been assigned to the Skippack Barracks, in Montgomery County, in January of last year. He was a resident of East Coventry Township, Chester County.

"I couldn't believe I got the phone call, it's the phone call you never want to receive," explained Lt. Jim Fisher, commander of the Skippack Barracks.

The trooper, who had recently purchased a new home with his fiancee, died after being medivaced to Temple Hospital.

Trooper Derik Frymire says his late colleague was enthusiastic and highly motivated and proud to be a state trooper.

"No matter the severity of any type of call or whoever responded, you could pretty much count on him being there even though he didn't have to be," Frymire said today.  "He wanted to see everything, he wanted to be a part of everything."

Kedra was raised in Northeast Philadelphia and was a 2006 graduate of Roman Catholic High School. He graduated from Temple University's criminal justice program in 2010 with a 3.71 GPA and went to the state police academy.  He was assigned to the PM squad working 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

"Trooper Kedra was a very hard worker who applied himself to his studies and his job," said Raykovitz. "He was a good investigator and always had a smile on his face. He was well liked by his peers and supervisors."

Officials say Kedra is survived by his parents, fiancee, a sister and two brothers.

Assistance is being offered to the other troopers at the barracks who may need emotional support in the wake of the tragedy.

Gov. Tom Corbett has ordered all state flags at half-staff until funeral services are completed. Plans for the trooper's memorial have not yet been announced.

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