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Incident
Officer Bernard Lankford suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a foot pursuit of a prisoner.
He had arrested a young woman and transported her to the police department's holding cell. The girl fled on foot when he opened the patrol car's door. He pursued her a short distance before subduing her. After taking her to the police station, he became ill. He was transported to a local hospital where he passed away a short time later.
Officer Lankford had served with the Richlands Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Lankford gave the Richlands Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richlands community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Lankford.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Richlands Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them lost to cardiac events.
Bernard is one of 25 officers lost to cardiac events in VA, 3.8% of the 653 remembered there.
Bernard is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Bernard is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1962, 3 officers in VA were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1962, 13 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1962, 13 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Bernard was 41. Of the 23 lost to cardiac events in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 40 and 50; the middle age was 47. Bernard had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 12 years.
Bernard was 41. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Bernard had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Bernard was 41. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Bernard had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
November holds 20% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 24%. Thursdays: 16%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Richlands Police Department, the most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Richlands Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Bernard among them.
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
3 officers from Richlands Police Department are honored on badge.nw.