Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Albert James Breisinger, Jr.

Pleasant Hills Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Wednesday, September 12, 1979

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Patrolman Albert James Breisinger, Jr.

Alby is an unforgettable guy. Naturally and genuinely friendly, polite, respectful from an early age. Inspirational in a way-made me want to be a better version of myself. If you can leave that type of impression on a person you can see why we all have a void in our lives with his loss. You were a gentle soul. Thanks Alby.

Tom B.
Fellow team mate at TJ

January 31, 2024

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 12, 2020

I never knew the officer but remember when this happened. One of the boys was the brother of a friend of my brothers. This was a heartbreaking event. I have mentioned the story many times over the years and the heroics of the officer who climbed down to help immediately without regard to his own safety. He just wanted to rescue the boy.

None
None

March 27, 2020

Alby was an upperclass man at TJ when I first got to know him. He had a huge smile for all even those he’d never met. He was always so nice to me- I will never forget the kindness he showed to everyone. Alby taught all of us the meaning of service to your community. He lived a hero and died a hero!

Stephanie Falvo
TJ alum

September 12, 2019

Hero❤️

Barbara Downing

May 19, 2019

Patrolman Breisinger, rest in peace. Amazing young and honorable man to be solemnly saluted.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2019

Albie, this old supervisor is still kicking. I remember well when your vehicle was totaled and the neighboring PD thought you wrecked it and reported it as a hit and run. You and I went out, did an investigation and found the hit and run vehicle. Rest in peace my brother and visit my wife. She just joined you a few months ago

Sgt Tom Seaman PHPD retired
Pleasant Hills Borough PD

September 15, 2018

Albie: I remember fondly of our visits to your house growing up, always a fun time as your dad always had fun things going on. Here we are this time of year, my oldest daughter Jessi was born two weeks after the good lord called your name. As we get ready to celebrate her birthday, I can't forget your passing. To honor your service n the service of other policemen taken too early from this earth, I proudly display a "Thin Blue Line" license plate on the front of my car. God Bless n rest in piece. Tom Breisinger, cousin.

Tom Breisinger - Cousin

September 1, 2017

Alby we will never forget!

Scott
Brother

November 2, 2015

Albie, I have known you all my life and I still think of you fondly all this time later. Your sacrifice that day broke many hearts and there are new generations growing up and continue to hear your story.

God called you home too soon, but as I now get older, I realize you were the closest that I have been to an Angel. God Bless you and walk with you. Your sacrifice and love is your legacy.
It's an honor to have spent time and laughed with you.

Judy
Friend

December 28, 2014

Albie was my friend. I still think about him and remember him and his family fondly even after all these years.

Former Officer
Jefferson Borough Police

December 8, 2013

Albie was a part of a warm and loving family in our hometown.

I returned from college to learn that Albie had joined the police force, which made perfect sense, as he was kind, strong, and good.

When he died as he tried to save those children, he put others first, as he had been brought up to do.

Albie's life and death are a reminder to all of us of what service and sacrifice mean. He was truly Christ-like, and like Jesus, Albie will live forever in our hearts.

He was a good artist too. I have a picture that he drew, way back when. But mostly, he was just a great guy with a great heart.

classmate
Thomas Jefferson High School

November 15, 2013

Rest in peace my Brother. I will always honor your memory. We had many good times together.

Sgt Tom Seaman Retired
Borough of Pleasant Hills

October 8, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 9, 2013

My nieces live in McDonald Pennsylvania and my sister asked me to tell one of them the story behind the memorial at the Pleasant Hills Borough Building. So I would not leave out any detail, I googled the story and forwarded it to her. I then came across this and wanted to let the family of Alby know that he is still remembered, still thought of and the story is not just known in Pleasant Hills area. I did not know him but graduated the same year from TJ as Scott and Sue.

Diane Friend

July 26, 2012

Dear Alby,
I came across this site while making a family birthday calendar and looking for a picture of you. If you could only see all of your nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. You would have loved and enjoyed them so...and they would have loved you. You gave me the best birthday gift of my life when you spent your last day before the accident at my house, holding Heather and telling her stories until she fell asleep in your arms, and playing with Jonathan, your Godson. Thank you so much for that. Know that Heather's son was born last year on the anniversary of your death...a special connection. We have all tried to keep your memory alive by telling your story to the kids. Please ask God to watch over them all. I am honored to have had you as my brother and continue to love you and miss you.

Nancy Breisinger Monaco
sister

June 22, 2012

Alby,

When I see the local policeman picking up his children at the same time I am picking up my grandchildren from elementary school, I am touched with memories of your great life. You are always in my prayers.

Lois breisinger shupp
Cousin

April 19, 2012

I went to high school with Alby. He was year younger than I was. He was one of those rare teenagers who was as kind as he was popular. Everybody looked up to Alby but he looked down on no one. My mother and grandmother (Mrs. Gugich) both worked at Gill Hall Elementary School and knew Alby and the rest of the Breisingers growing up, and they were devastated when he died. Every time I would take a trip to Washington, DC, my mother would ask that I bring her back another rubbing of his name from the memorial wall. I still think about him from time to time. He was a wonderful young man and it was an honor to know him.

Sandy Skrinjaric
friend

February 16, 2012

Thank you sir. My condolences to your family.

Thomas Ganci
Father of a Police Officer

March 17, 2010

To Breisinger Family:

Many years ago, I heard of Alby's death and was incredibly saddened by it. Today I was looking up old friends and came across this. The picture is just how I remember Alby. To me, he was Ginny's older brother and leader of the Breisinger kids. I had wonderful times at your house with your loving family, and Alby was always kind.

Please know that he was and is a hero to me.

Caryl Garland Siems

Caryl Garland Siems

October 6, 2008

I am married to Bobby your youngest brother. Although we never met, I feel as if I know you. Since I met your brother has has always told me stories about you and your father. We were honored to name our son, Albert James Breisinger, after you and your father. People that we don't even know have told us stories about you because they heard us say "Alby" and knew he must be related to you. Even though Bob was only 7 when you passed, he has vivid memories of you and stories that he is told of you bring him so much joy. Thank you for being the roll model you were and helping to mold Bob into the man he is. I know that your kind heart and caring for others was passed onto Bob and all of your siblings. I pray that it will also pass onto our children. You are thought of often and your legecy will go on for generations to come.

Cara Breisinger
sister-in-law

July 3, 2008

After reading all these reflections it is obvious that Albert was truly a great person, an example to live life by, and the true definition of public service. It's those qualities that so many of us in this profession strive for. May Officer Breisinger's family find comfort in knowing that so many of us continue on this tradition each and every day, keeping the torch lit, and always remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice before us. HERO

Officer J. Perrone
Sunnyvale Dept. of Public Safety- CA

March 12, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 24, 2008

Never forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

September 12, 2007

As this difficult anniversery grows near, I felt compelled to share my deepest sympathy with Scott, Susan and your family. Something I should have done years ago. Such selfless sacrifice should never be forgotten and he was truely a hero. God bless.

None - Doug Cominsky
Friend / Citizen

September 4, 2007

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