Dennis Dixon was found unresponsive in his patrol vehicle Monday night.
HEIDELBERG, Pa. — A small Allegheny County borough is mourning Police Chief Dennis Dixon after officials said he was found dead in his patrol vehicle Monday night while working his shift.
The Heidelberg Borough Police Department announced Dixon’s death Tuesday, saying he was found around 8:50 p.m. Monday. County police opened an investigation, while the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office began work to determine the cause and manner of death.
Authorities said Dixon was found in the 600 block of Grant Avenue. County police said the death did not appear suspicious, but no final medical finding had been released. The borough has not said what led officers or others to the patrol vehicle.
Dixon had served Heidelberg since 2008 and was promoted to chief in 2018. His death brought an abrupt loss to a borough police department that described it as sudden and tragic. In its statement, the borough said, “Our thoughts are with Chief Dixon’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The medical examiner identified Dixon as a 57-year-old South Park resident and said he was found unresponsive inside a vehicle. Officials have not released details on emergency response efforts, whether an autopsy was planned or when a ruling might be complete.
Heidelberg officials had not announced a successor or acting chief by Wednesday. The next public updates are expected from county investigators, the medical examiner or borough leaders as the review continues.
Author note: Last updated May 20, 2026.