Saratoga Springs Police Department, New York
End of Watch Sunday, January 27, 1957
Add to My HeroesFrederick E. Pettit
Patrolman Frederick Pettit was killed while assisting the local fire department at the scene of a major fire in the city's downtown district on Broadway Street.
He was standing with the fire chief and assistant fire chief when an explosion occurred inside one of the burning buildings. The explosion blew a large number of bricks onto the three, killing Patrolman Pettit and injuring the other two.
Patrolman Pettit had served with the Saratoga Springs Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 14 years
- Badge 4
Incident Details
- Cause Fire
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsMr. Pettit was, is, and always will be my grandfather. I am the son of Shirley Pettit AKA Shirley Van Heste, AKA Shirley Burgess, and grandson of Ann Pettit. My ma let us know what happened to him on that day of the fire. I would have like to have known him before his passing but God had a different plan. I served 28 years in the Air Force protecting my country and I would like to think that he would be proud of me. Whenever I am in Saratoga Springs I visit my ma as well as his and my grandma's memorial. My lovely bride, Kris, surprised me one day by showing the wall memorial in Albany, NY, of fallen first responders and it made me very proud. Until we meet grandpa, RIP...Fred Van Heste.
Frederick E. Van Heste, SMSgt, USAF, Ret
First Grandson
February 23, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Investigator John Hampton Coddou
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024