Officer David Hancock.
Montgomery Township Police Department recently honored the somber anniversary of their first and only officer who was killed in the line of duty.
Patrolman David Hancock was known by many in Montgomery Township, since the township was still developing residentially and commercially during his time as an officer. His family knew him as a loving and giving person.
“In the early morning hours of December 11, 1976, Officer Hancock while on patrol, interrupted a burglary in progress at the Montgomery Mall, which was under construction,” said Chief Richard Brady, a retired officer who worked with Hancock. “While attempting to apprehend the suspect, one Larry Philips, a scuffle ensued and Philips gained possession of Officer Hancock’s service revolver. He then fired once resulting in the instant death of Officer Hancock.”
The death shook the police department, as well as the surrounding community. Hancock’s daughter, Linda Regan, was only 16 when her father was killed.
“I just remember hearing my mother start to cry and men’s voices, so I got up,” Regan said. ”I’m not sure of anything else until the next day when I went to 7-Eleven to get my mom more coffee and saw one of the papers with my dad dead on the front page, not even covered with a white sheet.”
Regan remembers several people, including police officers, coming and going throughout the day to offer their support for the family. The residents of the community also offered their support to the police department, offering to help them with whatever they needed.
Even though his life was cut short, Hancock made a difference in the lives he touched. He was very involved with all of the juvenile cases in the department. According to his daughter, he even took in a runaway so that the person could live a good life. Hancock also loved baseball and started the Home Run Derby within the township.
To honor Hancock’s memory, there is a large stone monument located in front of the Montgomery Township Municipal Complex with a plaque to remember that Hancock paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community. There is also a photo of Hancock in the police department to remind the officers of the danger of the job.
“Dave was a friendly, outgoing, personable individual with a great sense of humor,” said Brady. “He maintained a relaxed demeanor in the most stressful of situations and was always a team player. He enjoyed sports and was an outstanding baseball player.”
“I would like everyone to remember just how giving my dad was,” said Regan. “My father was a great father, friend and law enforcement officer.”
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