Sgt. Robert A. Means, 48, passed away at residence, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

He was the husband of Julie Snyder Means, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage this past June. Born in Towanda, he was the son of Virginia Balsone Means of Hopwood, PA and the late William W. Means.

Sgt. Means was in his 24th year of service with the Bureau. He was sworn in on May 14, 1990 and attended the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) Police Academy (47th Class). Serving in the Patrol Division for his entire career, Sgt. Means was a Field Training Officer (FTO) for many new officers and an instructor at HACC teaching police updates and the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC). Sgt. Means was a member of the Bureau's Crash Investigation Team and was instrumental in updating many of the team's practices and policies. In July 2000 Means was promoted to sergeant and assigned as a patrol supervisor on Platoon C. Sgt. Means last assignment was as a Patrol Supervisor for Platoon A. Sgt. Means earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1987) where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and played trumpet in the university marching band, and a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from West Chester University (1996). Sgt. Means earned numerous commendations and letters of appreciation over his career. His organizational skills and knowledge of logistics was instrumental when the Bureau moved to their current location in 2003.

He loved to hunt, fish, and do woodworking and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Matthew, Madison, and Brian; his mother Virginia, his brother William Means of Florence, KY and his sister, Diane Givler of Virginia.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 5-8PM at Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA and again on Monday, March 17, 2014 from 9-10AM, with the Funeral Service to follow at 10AM, the Rev. Mark Russell officiating. Interment with Honors provided by the Lancaster City Police Honor Guard in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ephrata. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his memory to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, or to the Humane League of one's choice, or to the Lancaster City Police K-9 Patrol c/o Lancaster City Police Foundation, Box 10171, Lancaster, PA 17603-0171.