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Incident
Patrolman David Hancock was shot and killed after responding to a silent alarm at the JC Penny store at Montgomery Mall. Patrolman Hancock was arresting a 19-year-old man when the subject grabbed his gun and shot him in the head. The man was arrested, convicted of Patrolman Hancock's murder, and sentenced to life in prison. He received an additional seven to 13 years for two prior burglaries and drug possession. Patrolman Hancock had served with the Montgomery Township Police Department for 11 years and had previously served with the Whitpain Police Department. He was survived by his wife and two young children. his father had also served previously served as a police officer.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two young children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Hancock gave the Montgomery Township Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Montgomeryville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hancock.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Montgomery Township Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1976, 6 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 41. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. David had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
David was 41. 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. David had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Saturdays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Montgomery Township Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.9% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Montgomery Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.