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Louis Vandever
Incident
Chief of Police Louis Vandever was killed when his motorcycle was struck head-on as he pursued a vehicle that had just fled after striking a young girl and critically injuring her.
Chief Vandever was attempting to catch the subject on the Frederickstown-Brownsville Road. As he passed a vehicle he collided with an oncoming car head-on.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Vandever gave the East Bethlehem Township Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fredericktown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Vandever.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Louis is the only officer of East Bethlehem Township Police Department remembered here.
Louis is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Louis is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Louis is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 13 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1927, 114 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 2nd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1927, 119 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Louis was 55. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. Louis had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
Louis was 55. 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. Louis had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Louis was 55. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Louis had served 13 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%. Sundays: 16.3%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 14%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at East Bethlehem Township 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 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from East Bethlehem Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.