Prev
Incident
Police Officer Joseph Hackney succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained one week earlier as he and another officer walked a prisoner to jail after arresting him for disorderly conduct on Main Street.
As they walked the man to jail another man approached them and began yelling at the officers, then grabbed the other officer's arm. As Officer Hackney and the other officer pushed the man away a revolver fell from the man's coat and discharged. The round struck Officer Hackney in the leg and the bullet traveled into his groin.
He was taken to a nearby doctor's office and then to his home, where he remained until passing away one week later.
The subject who interfered in the arrest and whose revolver discharged was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 10-1/2 years in prison.
Officer Hackney had served with the Uniontown Police Department for six months.
Officer Hackney's Great-Grandson, Patrolman Robert C. Jay, died in the line of duty on November 26th, 1975, while serving with the Luzerne Township Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three young children, and several brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtntzkvpc249rm52a9960- 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 Joseph. 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
142 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Officer Hackney served with the Uniontown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Uniontown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Uniontown Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1884, 2 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1884, 52 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 137th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1884, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 46. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Joseph was 46. 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. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Thursdays: 13.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Uniontown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, 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 handgun; revolver, in 3% 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 handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Uniontown Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Uniontown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
