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Incident
Chief of Police Robert Sparks was shot and killed when he and another officer attempted to take action when they were robbed while off duty. The two were leaving a pharmacy, at the intersection of Chester Pike and Glenolden Avenue, after picking up medication for the other officer. As the two walked out of the door two suspects demanded the bag, thinking that there was money in it after mistaking Chief Sparks for the pharmacist. When the officers took action one of the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Chief Sparks. Both 17-year-old suspects were apprehended and sentenced to life. Chief Sparks had served with the Glenolden Borough Police Department for 20 years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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20 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Sparks gave the Glenolden Borough Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Glenolden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Sparks.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Glenolden Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1975, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 45. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Glenolden Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Glenolden Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Glenolden Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
