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James Albert Welch
Incident
Chief of Police James Welch was fatally injured when a booby-trapped still exploded in York County while he and several federal prohibition agents were destroying it. They had located the still in a secret cavern below a farmhouse near the Cedar Grove School near Lewisberry. His wounds were initially not thought to be that serious. Because Chief Welch had not fully recovered from being shot while making an arrest one year earlier complications with his condition resulted. He died in the Harrisburg Hospital one week later after the blast.
Survivors
Chief Welch was survived by his wife and two children.
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.
Chief of Police Welch served with the New Cumberland Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New Cumberland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Welch.
— 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.
James is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 7 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Thursdays: 13.7%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at New Cumberland Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was explosives, 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 explosives, in 0.2% 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 explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
His people
New Cumberland Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
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.
