Police Officer Joseph Charles Friel, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

Police Officer Joseph Charles Friel

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Sunday, December 4, 1994

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Joseph Charles Friel

Police Officer Joseph Friel was killed when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle driven by a drunk driver on Ridge Avenue near Acorn Street at 2:30 a.m.

The 26-year-old driver was convicted of vehicular homicide and drunk driving and sentenced to 3 to 6 years in jail.

One of Officer Friel's uncles was killed in the line of duty in 1986 while serving with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Officer Friel was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for only 6 months and was assigned to the 5th Police District. He was survived by his son, two sisters, a brother, and a fiancee. Officer Friel's younger brother also served as a Philadelphia police officer.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 6 months
Badge 6267
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Sentenced to 6 years

Impaired Driver, routine driving

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Friel,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Air Force. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 4, 2024