Fallen Myrtle Beach police officer laid to rest in Maryland

WALDORF, Md. (WMBF) – A fallen Myrtle Beach police officer is in his final resting place in his hometown in Maryland.

A final funeral service was held on Tuesday in Waldorf, Maryland for Myrtle Beach police Pfc. Jacob Hancher.

“As part of the funeral for PFC Hancher, members of our Honor Guard folded the flag and presented it to Chief Amy Prock of the Myrtle Beach Police Department. She in turn gave the flag to PFC Hancher’s sister. This is always a poignant moment for those watching, as the flag will always represent the death of someone they love,” the Charles County Sheriff’s Office wrote on its Facebook page.

Being part of the Honor Guard during a funeral service for a fallen officer is profound. While you are there to do specific, ceremonial presentations, you are also reminded of the dangers police face every day when responding to calls for service. Being part of the Honor Guard requires extreme discipline. Members personify professional decorum, respect, and strive toward perfection in the presentation. As part of the funeral for PFC Hancher, members of our Honor Guard folded the flag and presented it to Chief Amy Prock of the Myrtle Beach Police Department. She in turn gave the flag to PFC Hancher’s sister. This is always a poignant moment for those watching, as the flag will always represent the death of someone they love. Today, the Flag Team consisted of Cpl. Steve Bryant, PFC Kevin Makle, PFC Steve Duley, PFC Mike Hancock, PFC Ian Bier, and PFC Paul Sady. Our trumpet player was PFC Thomas Rickard who played Taps. Other Honor Guard members who helped coordinate the services this morning include: Cpl. Derek Arends and PFC Ron Goldsmith. Members of the Maryland State Police provided the 21-gun salute. Our patrol officers assisted with traffic. Our Motors Unit, led by Sgt. Kris Syvertsen has been assisting with processions for PFC Hancher over the past two days. This morning, Sgt. Syvertsen was accompanied by Cpl. W. Brad Saunders, Cpl. Terrell Hemsley, and Cpl. Raymond Brooks. Though PFC Hancher was not part of our immediate police family, as with police officers across the nation, he was indeed our brother in blue. Blessed are our peacemakers.
Posted by Charles County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Members of the Maryland State Police provided the 21-gun salute in honor of Hancher.

“Though PFC Hancher was not part of our immediate police family, as with police officers across the nation, he was indeed our brother in blue. Blessed are our peacemakers,” the sheriff’s office posted.

He was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 3 after responding to a domestic disturbance call in the 400 block of 14th Avenue South.

A public funeral service was held on Oct. 9 in Myrtle Beach before Hancher’s body was taken to Maryland.

Before moving to Myrtle Beach, Hancher lived in southern Maryland where he graduated from Thomas Stone High School and volunteered at the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department.

He was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Church in Waldorf.

Today, members of our Honor Guard, Motors Unit, and Patrol Officers as well as members of the Waldorf Volunteer Fire...
Posted by Charles County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, October 13, 2020