On December 20th, 1957, Germantown Police Assistant Chief Orion O. Hale was responding to a call when he suffered a major coronary event.

He had arrived at the scene of a disturbance and tried to arrest the suspect, who had become increasingly belligerent. His attempts to subdue the man led to an intense struggle, and despite Assistant Chief Hale’s efforts, the suspect continued to resist. But due to the extreme exertion involved, Hale suddenly collapsed from a massive heart attack. All attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Orion died at the scene.

Assistant Chief Hale was 72 years old at the time of his death — and had served with the Germantown Police Department for 19 years. He was survived by his son, daughter, and two brothers.