Police Officer Dennis Earl Hill

Police Officer Dennis Earl Hill

Des Moines Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch Sunday, August 28, 1977

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Dennis Earl Hill

Officer Dennis Hill was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a shots fired call at Thirteenth Street and Mondamin Avenue at 4 am.

As they approached the scene in the patty wagon, they pulled up next to the victim. The suspect was hiding in nearby bushes and immediately opened fire three times with a shotgun, striking Officer Hill in the head. Other officers responded to the "Officer Down" call, and another shootout ended with one other officer being wounded and the suspect being killed.

Officer Hill was a United States Army Vietnam and Iowa National Guard veteran and had served with the Des Moines Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, two young children, and his parents. His father also served with the Des Moines Police Department.

Bio

  • Age 30
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge 118
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Shot and killed

ambush, shots fired call

Most Recent Reflection

View all 21 Reflections

Denny--I will always remember your birthday, very sadly (and angrily) remember every August 28 and always feel your absence from my life. It has always been a privilege to be your cousin!

Jessie Morris Maurer
Cousin and friend

May 14, 2023

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