Patrolman Martin A. Hanke, New York City Police Department, New York

Patrolman Martin A. Hanke

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, October 18, 1938

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Martin A. Hanke

Patrolman Hanke was accidentally shot and killed at a police firing range in the basement of the Fourteenth Regiment Armory in Brooklyn. Patrolman Hanke was serving as a pistol instructor when he was accidentally shot by a recruit. Patrolman Hanke had given the "fire" command to the recruit in the next lane over. The other recruit was startled by the command and accidentally pulled the trigger, striking Patrolman Hanke in the abdomen.

Patrolman Hanke was assigned to the Fourth Avenue Precinct (modern day 68th Precinct) but had been temporarily assigned as a pistol instructor. He had been with the agency for nine years and was survived by his wife and 5-year-old daughter.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 9 years
Badge 6751

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

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As a volunteer NYPD Auxiliary Police Sergeant that was assigned to your 68th Precinct from 2007 to 2019, I was very familiar with the story of your tragic incident. I was able to put a memorial binder filled with newspaper articles of your past as a legendary boxer. The research is displayed in the memorial plaque wall area of the station-house that honors our 68pct Heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty. As far as I know, the memorial binder is still there.

Christian Durante
•Retired Volunteer NYPD Auxiliary Police Sergeant
NYPD 68th Pct Auxiliary Police Unit
•DHS Federal Employee
• USCG Auxiliary

May 6, 2025