Dennis Dixon had served the Allegheny County borough since 2008.
HEIDELBERG, Pa. — Heidelberg Police Chief Dennis Dixon was found dead inside his patrol vehicle Monday night while on duty, borough officials said, prompting an investigation by Allegheny County police and a review by the medical examiner.
Dixon, 57, was found around 8:50 p.m. in the 600 block of Grant Avenue, officials said. His death stunned the small Allegheny County borough, where he had worked for 18 years and led the police department since 2018.
Heidelberg Borough said in a statement that officials and the police department were “saddened to announce the sudden and tragic death of Police Chief Dennis Dixon while on duty.” The borough also said its thoughts were with Dixon’s family and loved ones. No cause or manner of death had been released as of Wednesday, May 20.
Allegheny County police said the death did not appear suspicious, but investigators remained involved. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the final ruling on how Dixon died. Officials said Dixon, who lived in South Park, was found unresponsive inside the vehicle.
Dixon joined the Heidelberg Police Department in 2008 and became chief in 2018. Borough leaders described him as a longtime public servant whose work placed him at the center of daily life in the community. The department has not announced interim leadership plans.
The case remained open Wednesday as county investigators and the medical examiner continued their work. Borough officials had not released funeral details or information about public memorial plans.
Author note: Last updated May 20, 2026.