The Heidelberg Borough Police Department is mourning the death of its chief.
The borough issued a statement on Tuesday, stating they are “saddened to announce the sudden and tragic death of Police Chief Dennis Dixon while on duty.”
Chief Dixon was discovered dead in his police vehicle around 8:50 p.m. on Monday.
He joined the Heidelberg Police Department in 2008 and was promoted to chief in 2018.
“Our thoughts are with Chief Dixon’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the borough said in a statement.
“Absolutely fantastic. Disbelief. Shock.” Father Jason Charron informed Channel 11.
When Father Jason Charron of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie heard about Dennis Dixon’s death, he went to the Heidelberg Police Department.
“They did not ask me to come down.” I simply felt for them. For example, when you work with someone, even if they are not family, and they die unexpectedly, it is like losing a family member. I don’t know any of them, but I felt prompted to simply come and pray with them,” he said.
A black wreath hangs on the department’s main door, indicating that the police inside are mourning.
According to Channel 11, Chief Dixon was on duty last night, and first responders discovered his patrol cruiser on a dead-end street in Heidelberg.
“We view them as police officers, but they are human beings just like us. They’re also grieving for their brother, and we must pray for and support them,” Father Charron stated.
It is unclear how Dixon died, but Allegheny County authorities said it was not suspicious.
“You never know what someone is going through.” Whether it’s your father, the chief of police, your local state representative, or the clerk who bags your groceries,” he stated.
The Allegheny County Police Department is investigating. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office will provide information on the cause and manner of death later.
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