Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My father Lt. Donald Humphrey was Keith’s partner when he tragically died.
I was a teenager at the time. My family was camping in the boundary water in Ely, MN when we got an emergency notification from the local radio station. It was too late in the day to canoe out and terrible shock when we got to a phone. It was very long solemn drive back to attend Keith’s funeral. One of the few times I ever saw my father shed tears.
My little brother Skip and I would babysit Tracy and Blaine or entertain and play with them when our parents played Pinnocle. It was always a great time. Then following the accident; along came Tommi a blessing that helped us all with the healing process.
My parents passed away several years ago and recently I was looking through my father’s retirement binder to make copies for my three siblings. In doing so, I came upon two pictures of Keith in uniform looking so proud with the Patrol plane. I wanted to put some information about Keith in the binder but could only remember part of his last name Han…….
My research led me to this site. What an honor to the the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty. May they all rest in peace.

Linda Jo Humphrey Welch
Friend of the family

September 7, 2024

My cousin.

Paul J Deckon
Cousin

August 15, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant Harold K. Hanning of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

August 6, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 6, 2020

Sgt. Hanning,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of state of Ohio. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States BorderPatrol

August 6, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Hanning.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 18, 2019

I was a member of the Ohio State Patrol and a good friend of Harold. He was one of the guys that made me want to follow him and become a trooper. I can still see his smiling face. Rest in peace my friend.

Former Ohio Trooper Paul E Smith
Ohio State Patrol Post 91

June 3, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant Harold K. Hanning of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

August 6, 2018

Sergeant HaroldK. Hanning will never be forgotten. May your soul rest in Heaven, and may God bless your family, especially your children.

First Sergeant Tom Webb (Retired)
New York State Police

February 17, 2018

Daddy...Being your oldest child I am blessed to have wonderful memories of you. I remember the hay forts you built for Blaine and me in the hayloft, I remember you riding "Big Buck"...I also remember you taking a 2x4 to the milk cow when she kicked over the bucket of milk (that was kindof scary!), you taking us up in the plane. I am blessed at the moment with a job where I get to fly quite often, I honestly believed that it was you that got me this job. You were, and still are, a wonderful father and you were my whole world! Loving you always, Tracey Dawn Hanning

Tracey Dawn Hanning
Daughter, Fincastle, VA

April 22, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 1, 2013

Hi Harold, I remember you during our training together at the "Old Academy" I left OSP shortly after graduation and became a pilot for another agency. Rest well my friend. Someday we will ride the airways together again and reach out and touch the face of God.

R.H. Matthews
OSP Unit 181

January 24, 2012

You are my daddy that I never got to touch, to hug, to talk with face to face. You are my daddy that I can feel your guidance, your strength, your spirit, and your love since the day I was born. You were taken from me physically before our eyes could meet but have guided me through all of my life.There could never be a stronger father daughter connection. I love you.

Tommi S. Hart
daughter

April 1, 2011

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 8, 2008

Keith was my cousin, when I visited my grandparents in the sumer we were able to play. On the farm we played hard and were the best of friends. I'll never forget him and often wonder where Sally and the kids are now. God Bless Him.

Paul Deckon
Cousin

December 26, 2007

I attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol's memorial service for the first time this past May and was moved by the dedication the Patrol has for remembering it's fallen officers. I was also greatly moved by the number of family members who come back year after year to honor their loved ones...some who have died over 50 years ago.

My boyfriend is a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. I have always been proud of his job and his affiliation with the Patrol, but am even more so after attending the service. People always use the "words" "you will never be forgotten. The family of OSHP live by those words.

Becky Muncy, widow of Sgt. Marc Muncy
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Franklin County

September 21, 2007

I knew sergeat Hanning as keith, we went to school together from 2rd grade to graduation. He was a great person and I think of him often. Its hard to belive he has been gone for 35 years. My thoughts are about him and the many things we did as kids.

al Pruitt
long time friend and school mate

August 8, 2005

Sarge, may God continue to watch over your family after all these years. I hope that they have found some type of solace.

Thank you for your service, it hasn't been forgotten.

Heather
OSHP

July 16, 2005

Sergeant Hanning, you are not forgotten, thank you for service.

X-Trooper

June 23, 2005

09-06-03, MAY GOD BLESS. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN MY BROTHER. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RETIRED
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

September 6, 2003