National Police Week is May 12th - 18th

Police Week 2024, Sunday, May 12th through Saturday, May 18th.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others

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In honor of police week DPD would like to pay tribute to our three officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.  Thank you for your sacrifice.

SERGEANT JAMES RYAN, SR.

Sergeant Ryan succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous night while responding to a burglary call with another officer on South Fourth Street. The officers encountered a man with an automatic rifle. The suspect opened fire, striking Sergeant Ryan six times. He was transported to Ephraim McDowell Memorial Hospital where he died the following day.

A 36-year-old suspect was later arrested, tried, and acquitted.

Sergeant Ryan, who was scheduled to retire two months later, was survived by his son, who was also a member of the agency at the time of the shooting.

Sergeant Ryan had served with the Danville Police Department for 26 years. He was survived by his son, two sisters, and five grandchildren. He was buried in Bellevue Cemetery.

OFFICER JOHN T. CRUM

Officer Crum was shot and killed while investigating illegal alcohol sales at a local establishment. He had gone to the bar to serve a warrant on the owner for serving alcohol. When he entered the bar four patrons immediately left, leaving only Officer Crum and the owner. A struggle ensued between the two and the suspect shot Officer Crum twice in the chest, killing him.

The man fled the scene but was quickly apprehended. He was convicted of Officer Crum's murder and executed in a public hanging on December 20, 1901.

Officer Crum had served with the agency for 4 years. He was survived by his wife and ten children.

TOWN MARSHAL JOHN R. SIMPSON

Town Marshal John Simpson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three men who were firing their weapons in town along Second Street.

Marshal Simpson had advised the men that they could continue having fun, but could not fire the guns in town. The group moved down Second Street and then began to fire again. When Marshal Simpson and another officer attempted to arrest them they were both shot. Marshal Simpson was killed and the other officer, as well as a citizen, were wounded.

Three subjects were charged with Marshal Simpson's murder. Charges were dismissed against one and the other two were pardoned by the governor before their trials were held.

Marshal Simpson was a widower and survived by six children.

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On Wednesday, May 15th , the Danville Police Department will hold a memorial service at Bellevue Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty.