Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Friday, August 5, 1960
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 6 years, 10 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: August 5, 1960
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Trooper Francis Tessitore was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while arresting a man he had stopped for speeding in Chester County.
Trooper Tessitore was standing behind the vehicle preparing his report when a 17-year-old truck driver, who had been behind the wheel for 23 straight hours, fell asleep, ran off the road, and struck the trooper and the driver he was arresting. Both were killed instantly.
Trooper Tessitore was a U.S Navy Veteran of the Korean War and served with the Pennsylvania State Police for almost seven years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, and two brothers.