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Incident
Patrolman Robert Flenner was suffered fatal injuries when he was beaten by a prisoner inside the police station's jail cell.
The prisoner had been arrested earlier in the evening for assaulting his wife. He attempted to hang himself inside the jail cell using his necktie. Patrolman Flenner thwarted the suicide attempt but was attacked by the man as he tried to handcuff him to the jail cell bars. The subject was able to gain control of Patrolman Flenner's club and severely beat him with it.
Believing his injuries were not seroius, Patrolman Flenner initially refused medical attention. He was finally taken to the hospital three days later due to pain in his head. He died at Chambersburg Hospital the following day.
Patrolman Flenner had served with the Waynesboro Borough Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and siblings.
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.
Patrolman Flenner gave the Waynesboro Borough Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Waynesboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Flenner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Waynesboro Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1908, 5 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 45. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 45. 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. Robert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.9% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Fridays: 15.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Waynesboro Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was blunt object; baton, 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 blunt object; baton, in 0.3% 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 blunt object; baton, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was blunt object; baton, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Waynesboro Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Waynesboro Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
