Prev
Incident
Patrolman Theodore Uzdilla was fatally struck by a school bus carrying a high school band to a football game while directing traffic at the intersection of Sans Souci Parkway and Dundee Cross Road.
Patrolman Uzdilla, who was working an overtime detail for the department after it was requested by a new supermarket for officers to direct traffic at the intersection on certain days of the week. He had stopped northbound traffic so a vehicle traveling south could make a left turn into the supermarket. As he was directing the vehicle into the supermarket a school bus traveling north in a passing lane struck the vehicle in the middle of the intersection before striking Patrolman Uzdilla. Patrolman Uzdilla was taken to Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver of the school bus, who was not qualified to drive it, was found guilty of negligence by a coroner's jury. The first involuntary manslaughter trial in April 1960 ended in a mistrial. The subject pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter at a second trial in June 1960 and ordered to pay prosecution costs.
Patrolman Theodore Uzdilla had served with the Hanover Township Police Department for 20 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. six grandchildren, and siblings.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnzva9489ser993csfs3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Theodore. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Uzdilla gave the Hanover Township Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Hanover community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Uzdilla.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Theodore is the only officer of Hanover Township Police Department remembered here.
Theodore is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Theodore is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Theodore is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1959, 3 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1959, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1959, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Theodore was 57. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Theodore had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Theodore was 57. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Theodore had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Theodore was 57. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Theodore had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hanover Township Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile; bus, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; bus, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; bus, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; bus, in 0% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hanover Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.