Isaiah D. Emenheiser

Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, 43, of York, gave his life in the line of duty on September 17, 2025, while faithfully serving and protecting the community he loved.

Born on November 19, 1981, in York, Isaiah was the son of Donald E. Emenheiser and Lynda S. (Bowser) Lloyd. Isaiah grew up with a passion for sports and competition, excelling in soccer, baseball, basketball, and weightlifting. A 2000 graduate of Christian School of York, he went on to earn a degree in criminal justice from York College, followed by training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in New Mexico.

Following his training, Isaiah served as a United States Secret Service agent, continuing his dedication to protecting others on a national level before transitioning into local law enforcement, where he found his long-term calling as a police officer and later as a detective.

Throughout his distinguished career in law enforcement, Isaiah served as a Field Training Officer, where he mentored and guided new recruits. He earned the Top Gun distinction on several occasions during his years of service. In 2010, he made 104 DUI arrests, ranking as one of the Top 4 municipal officers in the state that year. He was also honored as Officer of the Year in 2010, a reflection of his excellence in service. In 2011, he was recognized as the top municipal officer statewide. In 2012, he ranked as the 3rd municipal officer, and in 2013, he rose to 2nd, demonstrating consistent excellence and commitment to keeping the roads and community safe year after year.

Prior to his promotion to detective, Isaiah specialized in accident reconstruction and demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and technical knowledge in the field. Among his many professional accolades, he was awarded the Medal of Merit, the department's second-highest honor.

On August 1, 2005, then serving as a police officer in Thomasville, Isaiah responded within minutes to a mobile home fire. Learning a man was trapped inside, he broke through a window, entered the burning structure with the help of bystanders, and located the victim. He carried the man to safety and immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived, actions that ultimately saved the man's life. For his courage and quick response, he was honored with the Lifesaving Award.

Outside of work, he enjoyed fitness and spent time at Gold's Gym and the former Chalet's, carrying the same attention to detail into his personal pursuits as he did in his professional life. He also found satisfaction in home renovations for friends and family, which became his creative outlet and a way to balance the complexities of his day job. Coaching his children in soccer when they were younger was one of his greatest joys, as was spending time with his family on beach trips. He also enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Eagles play and was known for being vocal about his observations during the game.

Isaiah was a faithful attendee of Providence Community Church, where he served on several teams assisting the church's leadership. He held a deep faith in Jesus' sacrifice for our lives, living out his belief in the importance of serving others.

He is survived by his wife, Lona; his son, Turner I. Emenheiser of York; and his daughter, Taylor M. Emenheiser, also of York. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah L. Rohrbaugh of York and Michaiah M. First of York, and will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, and colleagues.

A Funeral Service to honor Isaiah will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion. The service at Living Word Community Church will be for law enforcement only and invited guests. It will not be open to the general public. The option of viewing the service via live stream will be held at Chapel Church, 3050 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion. Doors at Chapel Church will open at 9:00 AM. For those unable to attend at Chapel Church, the service will be live streamed and may be viewed from the comfort of your home, office, or another convenient location by visiting www.youtube.com/@LWCCyork. Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 134 W. Broadway, Red Lion, is assisting the family with arrangements.