Roll of Honor
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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- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-A13B6A86- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
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
Chief of Police Robert G. Sparks 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 Glenolden 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 G. Sparks's cause is highlighted.
How Robert G. Sparks Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert G. Sparks is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert G. Sparks was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Glenolden Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
