Joseph Charles Friel served in the U.S. Air Force.
Police Officer Joseph Friel was killed when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle driven by a drunk driver on Ridge Avenue near Acorn Street at 2:30 a.m. The 26-year-old driver was convicted of vehicular homicide and drunk driving and sentenced to 3 to 6 years in jail. One of Officer Friel's uncles was killed in the line of duty in 1986 while serving with the Philadelphia Fire Department. Officer Friel was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for only 6 months and was assigned to the 5th Police District. He was survived by his son, two sisters, a brother, and a fiancee. Officer Friel's younger brother also served as a Philadelphia police officer.
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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 Friel served with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia 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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