Colonel Douglas A. Fisher, U.S. Army Reserve

Colonel Douglas A. Fisher, U.S. Army Reserve, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 29, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina following a medical emergency. He was born Friday, June 4, 1976, in East Pennsboro to Bruce D. and Sandra N. (Brewer) Fisher of West Hanover Township. He is survived by his loving wife Heather L. (Hill) Fisher, with whom he would have celebrated 27 years of marriage on July 31st.

He is survived by two sons, Hunter M. Fisher and Hayden P. Fisher; a daughter, Scarlett G. Fisher all residing at home; a sister, Mary A. Miller and husband Robb of West Chester; two nephews, Liam Miller and Brendan Miller; parents-in-law, Michael R. and Gale A Hill of Linglestown; brother-in-law, Brent M. Hill and fiancé Erin of Linglestown; childhood best friend, Ryan; and his beloved fur babies, Georgia and June.

He dedicated more than two decades of his life to serving both his community and his country. His unwavering commitment to public service, exceptional leadership, and quiet humility earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who had the privilege of serving alongside him.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in science education from Shippensburg University, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry Branch in May 1999. He later earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College in 2023.

His active-duty military service included assignments with the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, from June 2000 through May 2003. During that time, he served as a Platoon Leader, Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, Bravo Company Executive Officer, and Headquarters Company Executive Officer. In 2002, he deployed to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Panther, where he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge for his service in combat.

He joined the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police in January 2004 and faithfully served the citizens of Lower Paxton Township until his passing. Throughout his distinguished law enforcement career, he served in both Patrol and the Criminal Investigation Section. After beginning his patrol assignment, he was selected to serve as a Detective before returning to Patrol in 2017. In May 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Patrolman First Class, a reflection of his professionalism, experience, and dedication to the Bureau.

While his law enforcement career was extraordinary, he simultaneously built an exceptional military career in the United States Army Reserve. Rising through the ranks to Colonel, he was serving as Commander of the 2nd Brigade, 87th Training Division, at the time of his passing.

His military education included the Infantry Basic and Advanced Courses, Intermediate Level Education, the Advanced Operations Course through the Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He was also a graduate of Airborne School, Jumpmaster School, Air Assault School, and the prestigious Ranger School.

Throughout his distinguished military career, he held numerous command and leadership assignments, including Brigade Commander of the 2nd Brigade, 87th Training Division; Mobilization Chief at TRADOC; Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 311th Training Support Battalion; Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 329th Regiment; Chief Observer Coach/Trainer for the 3rd Brigade, Atlantic Training Division; Exercise Project Officer; and Detachment S-3 with the 75th Training Command.

His military decorations reflect a lifetime of honorable service and extraordinary leadership. Colonel Fisher was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Basic Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, and most recently the Legion of Merit Medal which is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements in key positions of responsibility for both combat and non-combat operations.

His legacy cannot be measured solely by the years he served in uniform, but by the countless lives he impacted through his compassion, leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to others. Whether wearing the badge of a police officer or the uniform of a United States Army Colonel, he embodied the very highest ideals of service before self. He was a trusted colleague, a respected leader, a loyal friend, and a devoted public servant whose influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Douglas Fisher faithfully answered the call to serve his community and his nation. His service, sacrifice, and legacy will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited for viewing on Saturday, August 15th from 10 AM to Noon and again from 2 PM to 4 PM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 19th at 10:30 AM at Fort Indiantown Gap Aircraft Hanger, Main Gate entry, with visitation beginning at 9 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Adopt a Boxer Rescue, www.adoptaboxerrescue.com.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.