Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Daniel Gleason was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to investigate reports of vandalism to a vehicle on West Sedgley Avenue near North Broad Street. When the officers arrived, they approached two people who were standing nearby to ask if they knew anything about the vehicle. The male subject immediately drew a handgun and opened fire, striking Officer Gleason three times in the face and three times in the arm and side. Officer Gleason was transported to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Upon investigation, it was learned that the suspect had a hatred for white police officers and, in the past, had vowed to kill any that ever stopped him. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on November 29, 1986. Officer Gleason had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for over 15 years. He was survived by his wife and six children. His wife was killed three years later in a car accident.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-BD8F19CA- 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.
Police Officer Gleason gave the Philadelphia Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Gleason.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Daniel Thomas Gleason 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 Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Daniel Thomas Gleason's cause is highlighted.
How Daniel Thomas Gleason Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Daniel Thomas Gleason is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Daniel Thomas Gleason was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
377 officers from Philadelphia Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
