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Incident
Chief George Snyder suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after struggling with a suspect on Wood Street.
He and several officers had just finished processing the arrest of 15 men for gambling when he was notified of a fight on Wood Street. When he arrived at the scene he encountered a combative man who was bleeding from his head. The man began to struggle with Chief Snyder but was subdued with the help of two firemen.
Chief Snyder began to feel ill immediately after the arrest and was taken to his home, where he passed away several hours later.
Chief Snyder had served with the Wilkinsburg Police Department for six years. He was a widower and survived by his four children and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Snyder gave the Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wilkinsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Snyder.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
George is one of 118 officers lost to cardiac events in PA, 9.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
George is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George 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 1903, 1 officer in PA was lost to cardiac events, the 30th heaviest of 72 years on record. The heaviest was 1957, with 5.
In 1903, 2 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 107th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1903, 2 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 107th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
George was 44. Of the 118 lost to cardiac events in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 56; the middle age was 48. George had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 15.4 years.
George was 44. 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. George had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
George was 44. 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. George had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
May holds 7.6% of these deaths in PA; January holds the most, 11%. Sundays: 16.1%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Sundays: 13.9%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Wilkinsburg Borough 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
Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
