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Incident
Patrolman Probst was shot and killed as he and a private security detective investigated a suspicious sound from the rear of a building on Main Street, near Fallon Alley. As Patrolman Probst walked down a darkened alley a suspect shot him in the back twice, then fled. The suspect then exchanged shots with the private detective and another responding officer, but was able to escape. The suspect, and an accomplice, were eventually apprehended. The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He was denied parole in 1953. Patrolman Probst had served with the Lock Haven Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
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 Probst gave the Lock Haven Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lock Haven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Probst.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lock Haven Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1934, 8 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 36. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 36. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Wednesdays: 15.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Lock Haven Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 18.4% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lock Haven Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lock Haven Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
