Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Kissinger was shot and killed while assisting another officer arrest a drunk man at a home in the 1300 block of Locust Street. He was shot while struggling with the man in the back door of the house. The 26-year-old suspect was taken into custody in the home one hour later. He was found guilty of first-degree murder. He received a new trial and was acquitted.
Survivors
Patrolman Kissinger had served with the Reading Police Department for three years and was survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-C20D9475- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Kissinger gave the Reading Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Reading community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kissinger.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John W. Kissinger is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Reading Police Department, 5 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John W. Kissinger's cause is highlighted.
How John W. Kissinger Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John W. Kissinger is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John W. Kissinger was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Reading Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
