Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Flenner was suffered fatal injuries when he was beaten by a prisoner inside the police station's jail cell.
The prisoner had been arrested earlier in the evening for assaulting his wife. He attempted to hang himself inside the jail cell using his necktie. Patrolman Flenner thwarted the suicide attempt but was attacked by the man as he tried to handcuff him to the jail cell bars. The subject was able to gain control of Patrolman Flenner's club and severely beat him with it.
Believing his injuries were not seroius, Patrolman Flenner initially refused medical attention. He was finally taken to the hospital three days later due to pain in his head. He died at Chambersburg Hospital the following day.
Patrolman Flenner had served with the Waynesboro Borough Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-4A86D3C9- 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.
Patrolman Flenner gave the Waynesboro Borough Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waynesboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Flenner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert Flenner 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 Waynesboro 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. Robert Flenner's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Flenner Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Flenner is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Flenner was killed by blunt object; baton.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Waynesboro Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
