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Incident
Sergeant Hand was shot and killed at the Pocahontas Police Station by a juvenile perched in a nearby tree with a high-powered rifle. Another officer was able to return fire and killed the suspect.
Survivors
Sergeant Hand was survived by his wife and three 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.
Sergeant Hand served with the Pocahontas Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pocahontas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Hand.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pocahontas Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 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 1982, 3 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1982, 122 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1982, 142 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 47. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
James was 47. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
James was 47. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Sundays: 11.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Pocahontas Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Pocahontas Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Pocahontas Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
