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Incident
Patrolman John Hardy was shot and killed when he made a traffic stop at Felicity Street and Schlessinger Street in Abbeville at 11:40 pm. He was in the process of arresting the driver of the vehicle on outstanding warrants when the passenger of the vehicle walked up behind him and shot him in the head point-blank with a .45 caliber handgun. He was transported to Abbeville's hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:11 am. The suspect was apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Hardy had been with the Abbeville Police Department for 2 1/2 years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, father, six brothers, step-brother, and grandmother. His father and a brother had served as Police Chief of the Abbeville Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, mother, father, six brothers, step-brother, and grandmother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman First Class Hardy gave the Abbeville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Abbeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman First Class Hardy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Abbeville Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1992, 4 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1992, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1992, 97 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 28. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 7.7% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Thursdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Abbeville Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Abbeville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.