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Incident
Patrolman John Hennigar succumbed to injuries suffered the previous day when he was intentionally struck by a suspect whom he had pursued into Ohio on the National Road. The driver of the vehicle drove into Patrolman Hennigar's police motorcycle just east of New Westville located in Preble County, causing fatal injuries. The pursuit started when the man fled after Patrolman Hennigar and his partner attempted to stop the man for transporting liquor. The suspect was arrested the following day and was charged with murder. Patrolman Hennigar had served with the Richmond Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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 Hennigar gave the Richmond Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hennigar.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Richmond Police Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 151 officers lost to accidents in IN, 30% of the 503 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 1 officer in IN was lost to accidents, the 47th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1942, with 4.
In 1924, 86 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1924, 98 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 31. Of the 149 lost to accidents in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4.6 years.
John was 31. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 31. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 9.9% of these deaths in IN; December holds the most, 11.3%. Wednesdays: 13.9%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Richmond Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 503 deaths in IN, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 11.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Richmond Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Richmond Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
