Remembered: Young Police Officer to Be Honored at Leetsdale Fourth of July Parade, Annual Car Cruise

Though he was new to the job, Zachary John O'Neill was highly regarded by his fellow police officers and chiefs. 

At only 20 years old, O'Neill was hired to join the ranks of the Leet Township and Leetsdale police departments, where he served as a part-time officer in both communities for four months.

O'Neill, 20, of Leet, passed away unexpectedly on June 23 after suffering from pulmonary embolism. He would have celebrated his 21st birthday on Thursday, July 4.

Leetsdale Police Chief James Santucci said O'Neill was someone special. He watched him as a kid playing football at Quaker Valley and eventually graduating in 2010 from high school. 

"I watched that kid grow up. My whole department watched him grow up," Santucci said.

O'Neill attended Robert Morris University before entering the police academy.

Santucci said O'Neill was hired four months ago in Leetsdale at the same time he was hired in Leet after completing the police academy.

He was rushed to the hospital after finishing a shift in Leet and falling ill. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

O'Neill received the full honor guard at his funeral last week and will be honored this week in Leetsdale's annual Fourth of July parade. 

Santucci said the Leetsdale Car Cruise, which he organizes every year, has also been renamed the Officer Zach O'Neill Memorial Car Cruise. The car cruise is from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. on July 27 at the high school stadium.  

O'Neill is the son of Daniel P. and Sue Grace Ervin O'Neill; grandson of the late John J., Sr. and Mildred Kerr O'Neill and Russell and Ruth Ervin; brother of Nicholas Russell O'Neill of North Hills; fiance of Sarah Plese; and is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Contributions may be made in Zach's name to the Western PA Police Benevolent Foundation. 

Do you have fond memories of Officer O'Neill? Tell us in the comments.