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Incident
Patrolman Richard O'Hara was shot and killed after responding to a call regarding a man with a gun at a local pool hall. The man had been drinking in the pool hall earlier at night and left after another patron refused to give him money. The suspect returned with a gun and threatened several patrons. As Patrolman O'Hara tried to arrest the man, he suddenly turned and opened fire, striking the officer. Despite being severely wounded, Patrolman O'Hara returned fire and killed the suspect. Patrolman O'Hara succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Survivors
Patrolman O'Hara was survived by his wife and four 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.
Patrolman O'Hara served with the Midland Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Midland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Hara.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Midland Borough Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard 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 1923, 15 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Richard was 32. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Richard was 32. 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.
Richard was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 14.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Midland Borough Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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, in 27.3% 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, 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
Midland Borough Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Midland Borough Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
