Roll of Honor
James Albert Welch
Incident
Chief of Police James Welch was fatally injured when a booby-trapped still exploded in York County while he and several federal prohibition agents were destroying it. They had located the still in a secret cavern below a farmhouse near the Cedar Grove School near Lewisberry. His wounds were initially not thought to be that serious. Because Chief Welch had not fully recovered from being shot while making an arrest one year earlier complications with his condition resulted. He died in the Harrisburg Hospital one week later after the blast.
Survivors
Chief Welch was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-1E24CCC8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Welch served with the New Cumberland Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New Cumberland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Welch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police James Albert Welch is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Cumberland Borough Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Albert Welch's cause is highlighted.
How James Albert Welch Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Albert Welch is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Albert Welch was killed by explosives; bomb.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from New Cumberland Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
