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Robert Earl McCallister
Incident
Lieutenant Bo McCallister succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained on February 19th, 1981, while responding to a bank robbery at the intersection of North Progress Avenue and Nationwide Drive.
One of the bank employees was able to activate an alarm while the subject was still inside. As Lieutenant McCallister arrived at the scene, the subject was forcing two tellers to exit the bank in front of him. The man pushed the tellers aside and opened fire on Lieutenant McCallister, striking him several times.
Despite his wounds, Lieutenant McCallister was able to return fire as the subject fled into a wooded area.
Lieutenant McCallister partially recovered and remained active with the police department. He underwent numerous surgeries as a result of his wounds and passed away from complications on January 20th, 2019. His death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner.
One subject, who some investigators believe shot Lieutenant McCallister, was unable to be tried for the bank robbery due to the expired statute of limitations. While other investigators believe that his murder has not been solved.
Lieutenant McCallister had served with the Susquehanna Township Police Department for 32 years. He received the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart Medal for his actions on February 19, 1981.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
32 years. You could have gone home.
Lieutenant McCallister gave the Susquehanna Township Police Department 32 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant McCallister.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Susquehanna Township Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2019, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 2019, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2019, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 69. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 69. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 69. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 32 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Susquehanna Township Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Susquehanna Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.