Heidelberg Borough police chief found dead inside patrol vehicle while on duty

HEIDELBERG, Pa. — The Heidelberg Borough Police Department is mourning the loss of its chief.

The borough put out a release on Tuesday, saying they are “saddened to announce the sudden and tragic death of Police Chief Dennis Dixon while on duty.”

Chief Dixon was found dead in his patrol vehicle around 8:50 p.m. on Monday.

He joined the Heidelberg Police Department in 2008 and was promoted to chief in 2018.

“Our thoughts are with Chief Dixon’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the borough said in the release.

“Just unbelievable. Disbelief. Shock,” Father Jason Charron told Channel 11.

When Father Jason Charron from Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie heard about the death of Dennis Dixon, he headed to the Heidelberg Police Department.

“They didn’t ask me to come down. I just felt for them. Like when you work with someone, even if they’re not family, and they die so suddenly like that, it’s like family. I don’t know any of them, but I felt called to just come and say a prayer with them,” he said.

A black wreath is on the front door of the department, as the officers inside are mourning.

Sources tell Channel 11, Chief Dixon was on duty last night, and first responders found his patrol car on a dead-end street in Heidelberg.

“We see them as police officers, but they’re flesh and blood like we are. And they’re grieving for their brother. And we need to pray for them and support them,” Father Charron said.

It’s unclear how Dixon died, but Allegheny County investigators say his death wasn’t suspicious.

“You never know what someone is dealing with. Whether it’s your father, chief of police, your local state rep, the clerk who bags your groceries,” he said.

The Allegheny County Police Department is investigating. Information regarding the cause and manner of death will come from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office at a later time.

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