Prev
Incident
Special Officer Simon Penny was shot and killed while he and his partner investigated reports of two suspicious men at approximately 2:45 am. Approximately 30 minutes later the officers located a truck loaded with stolen chickens believed to be used by the men and took up a position nearby to wait for their return. A short time later both men returned to the truck and the two officers confronted them. As they handcuffed one of the men to the vehicle's steering wheel the second suspect fled on foot. Both officers pursued the suspect who opened fire and struck Officer Penny in the abdomen. Both officers returned fire but did not strike the suspect. Officer Penny's partner continued to pursue the suspect until being struck in the leg. The suspect who shot the officers was able to make his escape. The other suspect was taken into custody by other responding units. The suspect who escaped was captured in Detroit, Michigan on October 1st, 1926. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on March 10, 1944. The other suspect was sentenced to an indeterminate term in prison.
Survivors
Officer Penny was survived by his two sons, daughter, sister, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpnsby1dbeqn5s1rb54x- 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 Simon. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Special Officer Penny served with the Greenville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Officer Penny.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Simon is the only officer of Greenville Police Department remembered here.
Simon is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Simon is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Simon 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 1926, 15 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 13.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Greenville Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Greenville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.