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
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 47.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
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
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.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Reading Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
