Chief of Police Robert Earl Pierce

Robert Earl Pierce

Chief of Police Robert Pierce was struck and killed by a vehicle while lighting a red kerosene warning lantern at a construction zone at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Cedar Street.

The warning lights had gone out during heavy rain and Chief Pierce was relighting them along with a patrolman at about 10:20 pm. He was struck by a pharmacist who was rushing to his pharmacy to fill an emergency prescription. Chief Pierce was transported to Greensburg Hospital where he died at 4:50 am.

No charges were filed against the driver.

Chief Pierce was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He had served with the Irwin Borough Police Department for 18 months and had previously served with the Youngwood Borough Police Department. He was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, mother, and three siblings.