Charles E. Attig Jr. was a Shamokin Dam Borough police officer and U.S. Army veteran in his mid-20s. He had served with the department for three years and was described as a mentor to local youth and a well-regarded member of the community.

On the night of June 10, 1983, while issuing a littering citation on North Old Trail, Officer Attig was shot three times and killed. The shooter, identified in reports as 31-year-old Dean Troutman, told investigators he had been seeking revenge for a traffic ticket issued earlier that evening to someone else by the police chief and that he mistakenly believed Attig was the chief. Troutman was apprehended, charged with first-degree murder, convicted at trial and given life without parole.

Officer Attig’s funeral drew widespread attendance from family, friends and fellow officers. A portion of U.S. Routes 11 and 15 was later named in his honor and the mayor declared the 30th anniversary of his death Officer Charles Attig Memorial Day. If anyone knew Officer Attig or has information about that night, please share what you remember.