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Incident
Officer Edward Setzer was shot and killed while searching for a burglary suspect in the Gladwyne area. As he investigated an unoccupied vehicle parked on the shoulder of a road, he was confronted by a male suspect. A struggle ensued, and Officer Setzer was shot in the chest. The suspect was apprehended, and an investigation showed that he had been involved in a series of burglaries and sexual assaults in the area. The suspect was sentenced to life in prison. Officer Setzer had served with the Lower Merion Township Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Setzer gave the Lower Merion Township Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ardmore community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Setzer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lower Merion Township Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 1 officer in PA was killed feloniously, the 120th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 37. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Edward had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Edward was 37. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Fridays: 15.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Lower Merion Township Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 18.4% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lower Merion Township Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Lower Merion Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
