DS
U.S. Air Force · United States 
Derle Edward Shoemaker
1992
Derle Edward Shoemaker served the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. Derle also served in the U.S. Air Force. Derle served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Chief Derle Shoemaker died after being in a coma for 17 days. He was accidentally struck in the head which caused him to fall from a second story balcony while conducting a warrant search training exercise. Chief Shoemaker had served with the agency for 33 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1954 – 1958
U.S. Air Force
1958 – 1964
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
South Centre Township Police Department
Chief of Police
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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