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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
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- 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 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Reading Police Department has lost 9 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1911, 1 officer at Reading Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1911, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 53. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Reading Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 47; the middle age was 40. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
John was 53. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 53. 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. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 40% of these deaths at Reading Police Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 40%.
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 55.6% of all 9 deaths at Reading Police Department, the most common cause. 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.
His people
Reading Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Reading Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
