Community remembers life, legacy of officer killed in motorcycle crash

DRAVOSBURG, Pa. — A community is honoring the life of a Duquesne city police officer who was killed in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.

Robert Gogo Jr., 40, was a full-time officer in the city of Duquesne since 2005.

The American flag above the Duquesne Municipal Building was at half-staff on Monday in honor of Gogo, and black wreaths adorn the building to remember a man who Adams said would sacrifice himself to get the job done.

City of Duquesne Police Chief Scott Adams said that people have been calling nonstop with condolences and memories of Gogo.

“He touched a lot of people and a lot of departments," Adams said. "I’ve received a lot of phone calls the last two days from numerous departments, the Attorney General’s office, FBI, DEA, and it shows he touched a lot of communities and a lot of people.”

But what many also remember is the love Gogo had for his young son.

"Bob loved his job here with the City of Duquesne Police Department, but the job he loved the most was being a dad,” Adams said.

Gogo’s funeral will be held on Thursday. Adams said that St. Agnes Catholic School in West Mifflin plans to hold fundraiser for the family sometime next month.

“It's been a rough 48 hours. The next 72 hours are probably going to be a little rougher. We'll get through it as a community and a department," Adams said.

Police said Gogo was traveling south toward the Mansfield bridge when his motorcycle crossed the center line and struck a sedan around 9 p.m. Saturday on Richland Avenue.  He was transported to UPMC McKeesport Hospital, where he died of a blunt impact head injury. The medical examiner ruled his death accidental.

Kathleen Hartos, who has lived in the area for 17 years, said the road is very busy and believes there should be a traffic signal in place to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians.

"There's no reason it should have happened," Hartos said. "We tell people all the time no to cross (the road and) walk all the way around."

Officials said Gogo was not wearing a helmet, and neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have been factors in the crash. The Allegheny County police collision reconstruction unit is continuing to investigate.

Cox Media Group