Incident
Officer John Hissong suffered a fatal attack during a foot pursuit of a vandalism suspect near the intersection of Shaw Street and Fresno Street. He had responded to a local hotel after receiving reports of vandalism. When he arrived at the hotel he was taken to the rear where the vandalism had taken place. Officer Hissong located the suspect prior to the arrival of backup officers. He pursued the suspect on foot for approximately 150 feet, at which point he caught the suspect but immediately collapsed on top of the man. Responding officers located Officer Hissong and immediately started CPR. He was transported to St. Agnes Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. Officer Hissong had served with the Fresno Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Weld County, Colorado, Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Officer Hissong gave the Fresno Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fresno community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Hissong.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Fresno Police Department has lost 15 officers; 2 of them lost to cardiac events.
John is one of 52 officers lost to cardiac events in CA, 2.8% of the 1,839 remembered there.
John is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 2 officers in CA were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1981, 16 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1981, 16 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 24th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
John was 29. Of the 51 lost to cardiac events in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 52.5; the middle age was 44. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
John was 29. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
John was 29. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
July holds 9.6% of these deaths in CA; January holds the most, 15.4%. Saturdays: 13.5%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 14.3%.
July holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.4%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 13.3% of all 15 deaths at Fresno Police Department, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 50% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 2.8% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 19.2% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
His people
Fresno Police Department has 15 officers remembered here, John among them.
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Harry S. Van Meter
Feb 21, 1907
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Lucius C. Smith Oct 10, 1907
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Clay V. Helms May 15, 1911
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Charles L. Rouse
Apr 16, 1916
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James M. Hardenbrook
Jul 31, 1922
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Frank G. Campbell
Jan 15, 1931
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John O. Brame
Jan 22, 1931
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Elmer Forsman
Oct 7, 1946
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Salvador G. Mosqueda
Aug 20, 1973
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Lanny Stevenson
Dec 8, 1979
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John R. Hissong, II
Jul 4, 1981
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William E. Lehn
Jun 21, 1994
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John Donald Herring
Jul 7, 2014
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Angel De La Fuente
Dec 28, 2020
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Richard Paul Brown, II
Feb 17, 2021
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Fresno Police Department are honored on badge.nw.











