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Incident
Patrolman Matthew Forgach suffered a fatal heart attack while responding to an automobile crash at Kirmar Parkway and Center Street.
He was responding from his home to Wanamie when he was stricken with a fatal heart attack. He was able to pull his vehicle over at the intersection of Main Street and Third Street, in Glen Lyon. Local residents discovered Patrolman Forgach and took him to a local doctor who pronounced him dead.
Patrolman Forgach served with the Newport Township Police Department for 35 years and had planned to retire on his 62nd birthday on February 24th, 1960. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter. His son was a state trooper serving out of Norristown Barracks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, 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
35 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Forgach gave the Newport Township Police Department 35 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Nanticoke community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Forgach.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Newport Township Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Matthew is one of 118 officers lost to cardiac events in PA, 9.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Matthew is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Matthew is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1960, 2 officers in PA were lost to cardiac events, the 11th heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1957, with 5.
In 1960, 12 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 49th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1960, 12 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 49th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Matthew was 61. Of the 118 lost to cardiac events in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 56; the middle age was 48. Matthew had served 35 years; the middle length of service was 15.4 years.
Matthew was 61. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Matthew had served 35 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Matthew was 61. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Matthew had served 35 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
January holds 11% of these deaths in PA, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.4%.
January holds 9.6% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.3%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.4%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Newport Township Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 9.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Newport Township Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Matthew among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Newport Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
