Saturday, March 01, 2025, 7:42PM |  29°
MENU
Advertisement
Earl Buford Jr. is pictured.
2
MORE

Earl Buford Jr., former chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, dies at 81

courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

Earl Buford Jr., former chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, dies at 81

Former Pittsburgh Police Chief Earl Buford Jr., the second minority to lead the department in the bureau’s 166-year history, has died. 

Mr. Buford, 81, joined the force in 1968 and rose through the ranks, serving as a patrolman, detective, sergeant, commander and assistant chief of investigations. He served as chief from 1992-1995 and retired from the force after 28 years of service. His family said he died peacefully in his sleep on July 25.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police recognized his passing in a news release on Monday, saying they were thankful for his service and sending thoughts to his family and friends.

Advertisement

Born in April 1942 in Bluefield, W.Va., Mr. Buford relocated to Pittsburgh when he was about eight years old. He attended Westinghouse High School, where he earned the name “Sticky” playing football because he never missed a pass.

After graduating in 1960, he joined the U.S. Army and lived in Germany with his wife, Elizabeth Ann Buford. He was honorably discharged after four years of service.

Mr. Buford completed an associate degree in science at Allegheny County Community College and a bachelor of arts degree at California State College before joining the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

After his retirement, he worked as a security representative for the National Football League.

Advertisement

He was private in life, but loved his family with a passion, according to an obituary from House of Law Inc. Mr. Buford spent a lot of time with his grandchildren and shined during family gatherings.

According to his obituary, he loved the water and planned each family vacation to involve a beachfront property or cruise ship. He also owned many boats over the years and loved to spend time on Pittsburgh’s rivers. 

“His loving advice, long conversations, wittiness, and sense of humor, will be deeply missed by family and friends who love him dearly,” the obituary said.

First Published: July 31, 2023, 8:20 p.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts near teammate linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, in Baltimore.
1
sports
Steelers position analysis: T.J. Watt open to changing his role, but the Steelers have to help him
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington.
2
news
VP Vance attacks last year's Pa. visit by Zelenskyy in contentious White House meeting
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) against West Virginia in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz.
3
sports
Steelers NFL draft big board: Best fits at wide receiver
Law enforcement respond to the scene of a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pa. on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.
4
news
UPMC hospital shooting puts focus on violence health care workers see 'at an increased rate'
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard (18) throws a pass over Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) during the second half in the quarterfinals of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif.
5
sports
Regardless of starter, Steelers poring over NFL combine for potential late-round QB
Earl Buford Jr. is pictured.  (courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police)
Earl Buford Jr. is pictured.  (courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police)
courtesy of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Advertisement
LATEST news
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story