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Incident
Police Officer Jerry Hatch succumbed to injuries he received when he was struck by a drunk driver on Freeway 91 in Orange County. He was on his way to work at 10:00 p.m. when he stopped to assist a motorist whose car was on fire. He had just finished extinguishing the vehicle fire and was replacing the items in his trunk when he was struck. He was transported to West Anaheim Community Hospital where he died from his injuries. The 28-year-old subject was charged with felony DWI and jailed under a $2,500.00 bond. He had served with the Fullerton Police Department for five months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.
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.
Police Officer Hatch served with the Fullerton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Fullerton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Hatch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fullerton Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Jerry is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Jerry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jerry 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 1975, 14 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jerry was 23. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Jerry had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jerry was 23. 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. Jerry had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jerry was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jerry had served 0.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Fullerton Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 9.1% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Fullerton Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Jerry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Fullerton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
