Chief Henry E. Hand, Montgomery Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

Chief Henry E. Hand

Montgomery Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Tuesday, December 13, 1938

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Henry E. Hand

Chief of Police Henry Hand was shot and killed in an unprovoked attack while walking on Houston Avenue at approximately 10:30 am. The suspect, who held a grudge against police officers, walked up to Chief Hand and opened fire on him with a shotgun without warning, shooting him twice.

The suspect, 34, was arrested and confessed to shooting Chief Hand. His signed written statement ending with "justice has been done". On June 16, 1939, he entered a plea of guilty of murder.

Chief Hand had served with the Montgomery Borough Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 36
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Convicted of murder

ambush

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I am with the Montgomery Area Historical Society. Chief Henry Hand was killed while on duty, the morning of December 13, 1938. Would be interested if any relatives have pictures or information to pass on so we may keep it in our archives. You can go to our Facebook page (Montgomery Area Historical Society) and send a message so we may get in touch with you. Thank you.

Fae Herb
Montgomery Area Historical Society

September 1, 2024