Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 18, 2020

Late Jeannette policeman to be added to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

It was Jeannette Pa. Police Officer Allen “Jack” Capozzi’s last call.

Posted on February 15, 2020 Tribelive news

He and fellow Officer Carl Shifko went to the Piedmont Bar to break up an argument between two men Oct. 18, 1978. The officers separated them when something went wrong.

“He just collapsed,” Shifko said. “He had a heart condition that was unknown to anybody.”

Capozzi, 35, of Jeannette was rushed to Jeannette District Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m., according to newspaper accounts. He died from a heart issue, according to coroner records.

Capozzi’s line-of-duty death will be remembered this year when his name is placed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. His name will be dedicated May 13 during a candlelight vigil.

Every May during National Police Week, new names of police officers who died in the line of duty are added to the national memorial.

Jeannette police were notified last month. Rocky Geppert of Millvale, a volunteer researcher with the Officer Down Memorial Page, said he submitted Capozzi’s name for consideration on the memorial a few years ago but was asked to provide additional documentation. He recently passed along more records about Capozzi’s death.

“We’re very proud that we’re getting him honored,” Geppert said.

Shifko, who retired in 2005 as police chief, remembered Capozzi as a “happy-go-lucky guy” and a “gentle giant.”

“He was just a big, happy, jolly old guy. He was a joy to be around,” Shifko said.

Capozzi had been working as a part-time officer on the force for six years at the time of his death, according to newspaper accounts. Shifko said he lived with a relative on Wylie Avenue.

“It is very gratifying to know that Officer Allen Capozzi has not been forgotten, that his name will forever be memorialized for paying the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the citizens of Jeannette,” police Chief Shannon Binda said.

Capozzi joins one other Jeannette police officer on the memorial — Officer Joseph Henry Bossert, 44, who died Jan. 29, 1921. Geppert and former Jeannette Officer Justin Scalzo, now with the Greensburg department, researched Bossert’s death. He was fatally shot while walking his beat in West Jeannette.

Shifko was appreciative of Geppert’s work to remember his fallen partner.

“I’m glad he’s getting his name on there,” Shifko said. “He deserved it.”

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

February 16, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Capozzi.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2019

Patrolman Capozzi,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jeanette City. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 18, 2018

Patrolman Capozzi,
Sir, it has taken over 35 years but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jeanette. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Bordef Patrol

January 3, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service.

My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

December 31, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 28, 2013