Login | About Us | Contact Us | Search Connect With ODMP Facebook Twitter
ODMP Remembers...

Chief of Police James F. Cresson Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

Chief of Police

James F. "Fred" Pfeister

Cresson Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch: Saturday, June 8, 1996

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 64

Tour: 28 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Vehicular assault

Incident Date: 6/8/1996

Weapon: Automobile; Alcohol involved

Suspect: Not available

· Leave a Reflection
· Add to My Heroes
· Update this memorial

Share this memorial:
Email to a Friend

Chief Fred Pfeister was struck and killed by a drunk driver.

Chief Pfeister was a small town police chief for 25 years but instead of retiring, he gave up the title of chief and remained with the department as a part-time patrol officer.

During the early morning hours, a car driven by a drunk driver struck and killed the former police chief as he neared the end of his patrol shift.

The offender was a juvenile who was driving under the influence.

Chief Pfeister had served with the agency for 28 years. He was survived by his wife.

Chief Pfeister's wife was also the widow of Lieutenant Bill Wilt, who also died in the line of duty on May 20, 1980, while serving with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

Leave a Reflection · Update Memorial

Related Line of Duty Deaths

Lieutenant Francis William "Bill" Wilt, Jr.
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 20, 1980
Cause: Heart attack

View all 9 Reflections

Most Recent Reflection

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano,TX
April 15, 2009

 

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now:

(will show below Reflection)
(will show below Reflection)
(e-mail remains private)
Remember my rank, agency and email address
I have read and agree to the Reflections Terms of Use
 
All 2012 Deaths