It is with sadness that I share the passing of former Lehigh University Chief of Police Eugene J. Dax.
Chief Dax served the Lehigh community with dedication, professionalism, and integrity throughout his career. His leadership and commitment to public safety left a lasting impact on the department and the university community.
Chief Dax (1936-2026) served with the Lehigh University Police Department for 36 years, including 25 years as chief, before retiring in 1999. He began his career at Lehigh in 1963 and was promoted to Chief of Police in 1974. During his tenure, he helped transform the small, nine-officer security force into a fully accredited, state-certified police department.
Under his leadership, LUPD navigated several historic campus events, including the protests of the 1960s, disturbances surrounding Lehigh-Lafayette football games, and the tragic murder of Jeanne Ann Clery in 1986.
Before his service at Lehigh University, Chief Dax honorably served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.
Following his retirement from Lehigh, he continued to serve as a Deputy Sheriff for Lehigh County. Eugene passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 89.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 1030 hours in the church located at 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton. Internment with military honors will be at the parish cemetery. Details are available in the obituary provided by the Reichel Funeral Home.
Please keep the Dax family, along with his many friends and colleagues, in your thoughts during this difficult time.