United States of America
Headstone of Joseph Allen Coghill
U.S. Army · United States United States

Joseph Allen Coghill

Died December 25, 1921

Joseph Allen Coghill served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Officer Coghill was shot and killed after he and another officer arrested two men suspected of being involved in a burglary. The two men were placed in a patrol wagon to be taken to jail. One of the men drew a concealed revolver and fired three shots. Officer Coghill was fatally wounded and the other officer was grazed by a round. The suspect was sentenced to death but the sentence was later commuted to life in prison. He was died in prison when he was accidentally crushed by a service truck at the prison's loading dock. Officer Coghill was a US Army veteran of WWI.

Survivors
He had served in law enforcement for two years and was survived by his wife.
Media
Joseph Allen Coghill
Joseph Allen Coghill 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Dormont Borough Police Department
Police Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 33W · Line 20 cut as JOSEPH A COGHILL
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Police Officer Coghill gave the Dormont Borough Police Department 2 years.

Thank you for your service to the Pittsburgh community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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