Southampton police officer found dead, Police Chief suffers heart attack responding

UPDATED: Township Mourns Loss of Veteran Officer
Officials said Officer Richard Lizzio was found in his patrol car Friday morning, following a self-inflicted gun shot wound.
By Jennifer Mohan
April 15, 2011

Flags around the township are flying at half-mast in honor of an Upper Southampton police officer found dead early Friday morning.

Just after 8:30 a.m., Officer Richard Lizzio, a 24-year veteran of the Upper Southampton police force was found in his patrol car, which was parked at the Jesus Focus Ministry.

Upper Southampton Chief of Police Ron MacPherson said Ofc. Lizzio was a firearms instructor for the department as well as an officer in charge, a position that often required him to substitute for an off-duty sergeant.

“He was a valuable member of our team,” said MacPherson. “He will be sorely missed.”

Lizzio was on duty at the time of the incident, but was not answering a call at the church.

MacPherson said Ivyland Borough Police Chief Nicholas Rosato was out in the street directing traffic around the area of the incident when he suffered a heart attack

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Township Mourns Loss of Veteran Officer