Prev
Incident
Patrolman James Hanley was killed in a motorcycle accident on Beaver Road, near Imperial Road, in Coraopolis.
He and the police chief were in the police station when they received word that two men were attempting to steal a car. As the two officers got onto the department motorcycle they observed the suspect car drive past at a high rate of speed. The chief began pursuing it, with Patrolman Hanley in the sidecar.
They pursued the vehicle onto Beaver Road, near Coraopolis Heights, where the chief lost control of the motorcycle and it struck a tree. Patrolman Hanley was killed at the scene.
The two subjects continued fleeing and it is unknown if they were ever captured.
Patrolman Hanley had served with the McKees Rocks Police Department for seven months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 5-month-old child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnt82zdm3x25490dx1m1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Hanley served with the McKees Rocks Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the McKees Rocks community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hanley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
McKees Rocks Borough Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1919, 8 officers in PA were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1919, 51 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 94th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1919, 55 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 96th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 27. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 8.6 years.
James was 27. 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. James had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 0.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 9.1% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 14.4%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at McKees Rocks Borough Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.3% 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
McKees Rocks Borough Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from McKees Rocks Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
