Patrolman Albert Breisinger grew up in Gill Hall and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1974, where he played football. In 1978 while attending Pitt, he became a paramedic and then a Pleasant Hills police officer. In September of 1979 he tragically lost his life in the line of duty after attempting to rescue Brad Reed and Kenny Long, Pleasant Hills Middle School students, from a sinkhole at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery. Patrolman Breisinger was the first officer on the scene and discovered the bodies of the two boys inside the hole. When he went into the shaft to attempt CPR, the oxygen in the sinkhole was depleted to the point it could no longer support life. Undetectable, rapid unconsciousness occurred in seconds and the boys and Breisinger didn't have enough oxygen to survive. Patrolman Breisinger was hospitalized for several days but never regained consciousness. Alby was a patrolman with the Pleasant Hills Police Department for only 15 months and was just 23 years old when he passed. Even in his passing, he served others as his eyes and kidneys were donated to those in need. "All of us who knew or served with him are BETTER because of his example of integrity, service and courage." In the close - knit community of the West Jefferson Hills, the home of the "Jaguars," success on the gridiron has always been much celebrated and appreciated. To memorialize this heroic officer, an annual award in this name is given each year to a deserving senior member of the TJ Football team who, as voted by his teammates, BEST exemplifies the character, courage, leadership and sacrifice demonstrated in life and eternal spirit of Officer Breisinger. Additionally, a Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a senior who plans to pursue a career in the Allied Health Fields, Protective Services, and/or Social Services. This award is based on leadership, as well as, academic merit and community service.
The athletic field in Pleasant Hills next to the Borough Building is named Breisinger Field and is dedicated in his honor.
"He was one of those rare teenagers who was as kind as he was popular. Everybody looked up to Alby but he looked down on no one." Sandy Skrinjaric "
He was a model to the young people in the community during his life, and a hero in his death, at a time when kids desperately need models and heroes. When so many of their heroes are not heroes at all and when so many of the influences on them are so destructive."