Montgomery Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Tuesday, December 13, 1938
Add to My HeroesHenry 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsI am a board member of the Montgomery Area Historical Society in Montgomery, PA. I had the honor of presenting a program at our museum (The Adam Room), which is just across the street from where Chief Hand was killed. It was interesting discovering the facts of his life and unfortunately his death. Our community has named a road in his honor. Any updated information would be welcomed to receive.
Fae Herb
Montgomery Area Historical Society
November 5, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant John K. Williams
Coralville Police Department, IA
EOW: July 3, 2022

Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: July 1, 2022

Deputy Sheriff William Petry
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Captain Ralph Frasure
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 30, 2022

Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson
Poteet Police Department, TX
EOW: June 29, 2022

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022