It is with deep sadness that Chief Bernadette DiPino and the men and women of the Ocean City Police Department must announce the passing of retired police officer and former Ocean City Council member, James (Jay) Hancock.
“Our prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Chief DiPino. “Jay served this agency faithfully for more than three decades. This is a tremendous loss for both the community and our OCPD family.”
Jay served as an Ocean City Police Officer from May 24, 1971 until his retirement on October 1, 2002. He served in many capacities within the department. Early in his career, he was assigned to the Patrol Division, working various shifts, protecting the streets of Ocean City.
Later in his career he worked in the Services Division. He performed front desk duties, supervising the detention facility and the communications area in the former Dorchester Street facility.
Jay served the agency in his most visible capacity as a Public Information Officer. He handled all media duties and served as the face of the department for many years until his retirement. He was a member of the National Information Officers Association. While on the city council, he also served as a member of the Police Commission.
Prior to joining the OCPD, he served in the U.S. Armed Services. He also earned his degree from Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia in 1970.
Funeral arrangements will be announced as we learn them.
This is the loss of a good friend and a brother LEO. What shame to go so young. Talked to him recently and he told me that he had pulmonary disease and never smoked a cigarette in his life but we recalled those days when the radio room was a huge cloud of smoke due to more smokers and no restrictions on where you could or couldn't smoke. Now that you are 10-7, my good friend RIP End of watch
ReplyDeleteThis is the loss of a good friend and a brother LEO. What shame to go so young. Talked to him recently and he told me that he had pulmonary disease and never smoked a cigarette in his life but we recalled those days when the radio room was a huge cloud of smoke due to more smokers and no restrictions on where you could or couldn't smoke. Now that you are 10-7, my good friend RIP End of watch
ReplyDeleteNow the "rest of the story". He HATED the first female police chief, and when she ran him out of the building, he ran for council to fire her. Guess who won, 4 years later, SHE called in every favor, and got him back. Quite the fight behind the scenes, and the truth be known, his years of bitterness didnt exactly help his health.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am well aware of the "rest of the story" and know several that agreed with him. He could be very blunt and forward and had some good thoughts even tho he could be a P.I.T.A. once in awhile. And she is not the first female chief at OCPD, she is the ONLY one. Had to kill her to say those kind words lol RIP Brother, End of watch
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