Earl Woodyard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Earl Daniel Woodyard Jr.
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| Born | June 17, 1946 Shadyside, Pennsylvania
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| Died | April 6, 2015 (aged 68) |
| Other names | Woody |
| Police career | |
| Department | Pittsburgh Police |
| Years of service | 1976 – September 28, 2006 (Pittsburgh Police Department) |
| Rank |  - Pittsburgh Police ChiefSeptember 29, 2006 – October 31, 2006 |
Earl Daniel Woodyard Jr. (born June 17, 1946 – died April 6, 2015) was an important leader in the Pittsburgh Police Department. He served as the acting Pittsburgh Police Chief for a short time in 2006. This happened after the death of Pittsburgh's mayor, Bob O'Connor.
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Earl Woodyard's Police Career
Earl Woodyard spent 33 years working for the Pittsburgh Police. He started as a regular officer and worked his way up to become a Deputy Chief. This means he held many different jobs and learned a lot about police work.
Starting as an Officer
Woodyard's first job was as a uniformed police officer. He worked in the North Side area of Pittsburgh. In 1983, he became a plainclothes investigator. This meant he didn't wear a uniform and worked on investigations. He was still assigned to the North Side police station.
Moving Up the Ranks
In 1987, Woodyard was promoted to sergeant. He then worked in the Hill District area. Three years later, in 1990, he became a lieutenant. He returned to the North Side station in this new role.
Becoming a Commander
After only two years as a lieutenant, Woodyard was promoted again. He became the commander of the Zone Five Station. This station covered the East End of Pittsburgh. As commander, he was in charge of about 130 uniformed officers and detectives. This was a very busy area for the police.
Leading Investigations
In 1996, Woodyard became an assistant chief. He led the Investigations Branch. This team was responsible for solving crimes. He guided about 175 detectives, supervisors, and other staff members.
Overseeing Operations
In 1999, Woodyard took on another important role. He became the assistant chief of the Administrative Branch. In this job, he oversaw many different police units. These included the K-9 (dog) units and the police training academy. He also managed personnel and finances for the department.
Becoming Deputy Chief
In 2006, Mayor Robert O’Connor appointed Woodyard as Deputy Chief. This was a very high position in the police department. Later that year, Woodyard decided to retire. He retired in October 2006.
Later Life
Earl Woodyard passed away on April 6, 2015. He was found at his home in Baldwin, Pennsylvania. He was survived by his wife and his son.
See also
- Police chief
- Allegheny County Sheriff
- List of law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania
