Detective William J. Hanson
Central Railroad of New Jersey Police Department
Railroad Police

End of Watch: Friday, July 4, 1902
Cause: Struck by train

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Detective Hanson and Patrolman John Cosgrove were struck and killed by a train while patrolling the Jersey Central lines near the Communipaw Avenue Station in Jersey City, New Jersey. The two officers, and a friend who sometimes accompanied them on patrol, were searching for a gang of thieves.

It is believed they saw a train coming on one track and stepped onto another track to get out of its way. They failed to see a train coming on the second track as well and all three were struck and killed. Their bodies were found a short time later by a train engineer on another train.

 
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Patch image: Central Railroad of New Jersey Police Department, Railroad Police

Visit Detective Hanson's memorial at www.ODMP.org