Trooper George L. Hanna

Trooper George L. Hanna

Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts

End of Watch Saturday, February 26, 1983

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George L. Hanna

Trooper George Hanna was shot and killed while searching three subjects during a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 12 and Route 20 in Auburn, Massachusetts.

Unbeknownst to Trooper Hanna, the three men had been searching for a local business to rob. As he found a weapon on the first man, the second man pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and shot Trooper Hanna. All three subjects, 33, 33, and 20, were arrested and sentenced to life in prison with no parole.

Trooper Hanna was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Massachusetts State Police for nine years assigned to C Troop. He was survived by his wife and three children.

The George Hanna Award was named in honor of Trooper Hanna and is the highest medal a Massachusetts law enforcement officer can receive.

Route 12 and 20 in Auburn was named in his honor. A portion of I-290 in Worcester and a bridge in Natick are also named in his honor.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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New with just under 3 months on the job this was my first line of duty funeral and THE most impressive memorial I’ve ever seen. Those who display selfless courage and devotion to duty on the MSP and throughout the Commonwealth may be rewarded by the Hanna Award. The highest recognition is bestowed upon the officer to acknowledge Trooper George Hanna’s ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace, sir.

Retired Trooper, Div of Field Services
Massachusetts State Police

February 27, 2023

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