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Incident
Patrolman John Polcsak was killed in a motorcycle crash while pursuing two subjects wanted for theft shortly after midnight. A man and a 14-year-old girl had stolen $2,800 from the girl's mother the previous week. A Springdale constable had obtained warrants for both subjects and attempted to arrest them, but the two fled in a vehicle into Cheswick. Patrolman Polcsak and a state highway patrol officer joined the pursuit and chased the subjects into Harmar Township. As the pursuit approached the Hulton Bridge, on Freeport Road, Patrolman Polcsak's motorcycle was sideswiped by another car and he crashed. The constable and highway patrolman terminated the pursuit and transported Patrolman Polcsak to Citizens General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 11:00 am. Both subjects were arrested later the in the day by the Springdale constable and members of the Pittsburgh Police Department. Patrolman Polcsak had served with the Cheswick Borough Police Department for three years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Polcsak gave the Cheswick Borough Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cheswick community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Polcsak.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Cheswick Borough Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 13 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1931, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1931, 115 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 40. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
John was 40. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.4% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Cheswick Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
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