The community will remember the former Slippery Rock police Chief Frederick Mark Emigh for his giving nature, community service and humor.

The long-time Slippery Rock resident battled COVID-19 for three weeks before he died May 19.

“He should be making deviled eggs and pickled beets for a Memorial Day picnic,” said Joyce Moore, his younger sister. “And here we are planning a funeral.”Moore said Emigh was showing signs of being ill before he went to the hospital to be treated on a ventilator because he started limiting his activities.“We noticed that he stopped wanting to go out to eat,” she said. “That just wasn't like him.”Moore said Emigh had improved enough that he was going to be taken off the ventilator. However, he ended up suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.Emigh's sociable nature affected many people he had met in his 71 years. Whether it was as Slippery Rock's chief of police, his work with the Butler Alcohol Countermeasures Program or volunteering at his church and many other social groups in which he was involved, Moore said Emigh made an impression on everyone he met.Amy Goslaw, director of the Butler Alcohol Countermeasures Program, said Emigh worked with the program for more than 30 years, and he won over just about every class member he helped. He had just stopped leading classes in November, she said.“He made everybody feel like family,” Goslaw said. “Just extremely kind and generous, conscientious in dealing with clients and very respectful.”Goslaw also said his humor was a big part of his personality, but his dedication to public safety also extended past his duties as a police officer. It could be why he helped with the program, she said.“I think he just had the safety of the community in mind, and he thought it would help influence safety,” she said. “It kind of expanded on his police officer training looking out for the community.”Slippery Rock's current police chief, Terry Fedokovitz, was hired by Emigh before his retirement in 2009. Although Fedokovitz only worked with Emigh for a short time, he made a lasting impression because of his intelligence and connection to the community.“He was the ideal people's chief in town, he got to know everybody,” he said. “When it came to community relations, he was phenomenal.”Slippery Rock borough manager Shawn Pugh said the next borough council meeting will include a moment of silence for Emigh.Moore recalled a Thanksgiving dinner during which Emigh pointed out who needed to get their car inspected because of expired stickers. Moments like these, she said, are what she will remember.Emigh was married to his wife, LaLanda, for 23 years. His family also included a brother and two sisters.“Fred was a wonderful brother, wonderful husband, a great uncle, all into helping others and had such a kind heart,” Moore said. “We're just going to miss him.”

Frederick Emigh