Chief of Police John Tobia Ruth, Lehman Township Police Department, Pennsylvania

Chief of Police John Tobia Ruth

Lehman Township Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Sunday, July 20, 1930

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John Tobia Ruth

Chief of Police John Ruth was shot and killed while investigating a murder that had occurred the previous day.

A farmhand had gone to an adjoining farm on Jackson Road and fatally shot a resident before fleeing into the woods. Chief Ruth and another officer located him in the woods, but the man opened fire with a shotgun and shot Chief Ruth in the chest. The other officer was able to get him to a car that took him to Nesbitt Hospital. He died of his wounds the following day.

A posse located the subject shortly after Chief Ruth's death. The man fired at them several times before committing suicide.

Chief Ruth had served with the Lehman Township Police Department for five years and had previously served with the Philadelphia Police Department. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Saturday, July 19, 1930
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Committed suicide

murder suspect

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Most Recent Reflection

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This broke my heart when I saw this reflection. Chief Ruth is my great grandfather.

As a child I spent many summers at Harvey's Lake, Pennsylvania and grew up hearing the stories of sadness and pain from my grandmother, Leonore, who lost her father at such a young age. She remained in her childhood home until her 80s. This was the home where she was raised by her father, Chief Ruth, and her mother along with her older sister, Luella.

I look at my great grandfather's photo and I see my grandmother's, my father's and my own piercing grey blue eyes. Those eyes have seen a lot and those eyes have fought for those who cannot fight for themselves. Finally, those blue eyes will always move forward with the highest integrity, compassion and commitment to justice.

With the deepest love and admiration for my beloved great grandfather and for all of those who have fallen and have left behind their loved ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice and your service.

Carri-Ann M. Gibson, MD
Great Granddaughter

September 4, 2025