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Incident
Sergeant Robert Hannah was shot and killed when he responded to a robbery at a local saloon. Two robbery suspects entered a local saloon and gambling hall through a rear door. As they entered the building, two customers heard the commotion and left through the front door. The two customers went to the police station and reported the robbery. Sergeant Hannah, the Yellowstone County Sheriff and a Northern Pacific detective responded to the robbery. When they arrived, a gun battle ensued and both Sergeant Hannah and the Yellowstone County Sheriff were wounded. The Yellowstone County Sheriff suffered a minor wound to his hand, however, Sergeant Hannah suffered more serious wounds and died later that day. Two suspects were arrested and one confessed to murdering Sergeant Hannah. Both suspects escaped from the Yellowstone County Jail two months later.
Survivors
Segeant Hannah was survived by his wife Amelia, his sons Robert and John, and his daughters Margaret and Gertrude.
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 Hannah served with the Billings Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Billings community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Hannah.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Billings Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1904, 4 officers in MT were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1904, 83 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 51. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39.
Robert was 51. 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 was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Billings Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.6% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Billings Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Billings Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
