Prev
Incident
Sergeant Manuel Trenary was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in progress at a diner on North Liberty Street. He was struck twice by .25 caliber bullets while exchanging gunfire with the suspect. No suspects were ever identified and his murder has never been solved. Sergeant Trenary had served with the Harrisonburg Police Department for 26 years. He was survived by his wife. In November 2013 a new section of the Erickson Avenue Connector was dedicated in his honor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpsvmvrgptkmj93hs0sd- 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 Manuel. 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
26 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Trenary gave the Harrisonburg Police Department 26 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisonburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Trenary.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Manuel is the only officer of Harrisonburg Police Department remembered here.
Manuel is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Manuel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Manuel 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 1959, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1959, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1959, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Manuel was 51. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Manuel had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Manuel 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. Manuel had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Manuel was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Manuel had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.6% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Thursdays: 16.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Harrisonburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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 6-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Harrisonburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.