Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Kosmal was stabbed, shot, and killed off duty after stopping his vehicle on a narrow street for a man standing in the middle of the street who refused to move and let him get by. He was at Albion Street and Cassina Way, with his wife and two other women, when he got out and confronted the man. When an argument began a friend of the man came to his assistance. Patrolman Kosmal convinced both to get of the road, but as he walked back to his car the suspect shot him three times in the back. As he fell the the ground the other subject stabbed him in the chest. The shooter was later apprehended. His friend was never found. The suspect, 38, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He had a parole hearing on December 10, 1957; Outcome unknown.
Survivors
Patrolman Kosmal was survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-CBAD0002- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Kosmal gave the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 7 years.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kosmal.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert Leo Kosmal 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 Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, 45 of 101 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Leo Kosmal's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Leo Kosmal Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Leo Kosmal is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Leo Kosmal was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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