In the winter of 1978, a brave off-duty police officer lost his life in an act of heroism. Corporal Ernest L. Lang Jr., a 39-year-old male, was fatally wounded on December 10, 1978, in Chester, Pennsylvania, when he intervened in a violent armed robbery. A three-year veteran of the Delaware County Courthouse and Park Police Department, he was a husband and a father to six children.
The tragic events unfolded at a bar located at 2213 West 3rd Street in Chester City.
Two armed individuals, wielding sawed-off shotguns, entered the establishment and began threatening patrons and employees. Without hesitation, Corporal Lang, who was present at the scene, stepped in to protect the innocent. A shootout ensued, and in the exchange of gunfire, Corporal Lang was mortally wounded. Despite his injuries, he managed to fire all six rounds from his revolver.
His bravery in the face of grave danger was not in vain. A few hours after the deadly confrontation, one of the suspects sought medical attention at a local hospital. It was discovered that he had been struck by five of the six bullets fired by Corporal Lang and was admitted in serious condition. This individual was later convicted of second-degree murder for his role in the officer's death. The second suspect involved in the armed robbery was also apprehended and subsequently convicted of armed robbery.
