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Incident
Patrolman Willis Cole was shot and killed after responding to a robbery in progress at a coin shop in the 200 block of Fourth Street. Patrolman arrived at the scene and was apprehending one of the suspects when another came around the building and opened fire on him. Patrolman Cole, who was not wearing his vest, was shot in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Both suspects fled but were captured within 45 minutes of the shooting. Both men were convicted, with one sentenced to life in prison and the other given a death sentence. Patrolman Cole had served with the New Cumberland Borough Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute - 1 candle.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Cole gave the New Cumberland Borough Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Cumberland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cole.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New Cumberland Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Willis is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Willis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Willis is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1994, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1994, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1994, 99 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 63rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Willis was 30. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Willis had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Willis was 30. 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. Willis had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Willis was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Willis had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.5% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at New Cumberland Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 27.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
New Cumberland Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Willis among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from New Cumberland Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
