Written by Jason S. Sullivan

Officer Craig Hanking—End of Watch: August 3, 1994

Arlington Police Officer Craig Hanking, age 26, died in the line of duty on August 3, 1994. He was a rookie officer who briefly served with the Arlington Police Department.

Craig Michael Hanking (1968-1994)

Craig Michael Hanking was born May 22, 1968, in Arlington, Texas, to parents James and Cynthia. He graduated from Martin High School in 1986. He later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Baylor University.

Hanking, initially an accountant, felt a calling to serve and help people. He believed he could make a greater impact in law enforcement, a sentiment he shared with a family friend, saying, “I think I can help people in this position more than if I were an accountant.” Hanking graduated from the Arlington Police Academy in March 1994.

Around 3:00 AM on August 3, 1994, Officer Hanking responded to a burglary-in-progress call at a nearby apartment complex. While in transit, his patrol car struck a tractor-trailer. The vehicle became lodged underneath and was dragged for about 50 feet. Hanking died as a result of the injuries sustained. The tragic accident occurred near Cooper Street and Park Row Drive.

His police academy classmates took the news especially hard, as did others in the department. Hanking was the third Arlington Police Officer lost in the line of duty in less than two years. Officers Terry Lewis and Jerry Crocker died in October 1992.

Hanking was survived by his wife of two years, Cindy, also age 26, along with his brother, parents, and grandparents. Over 1,300 attended funeral services at Lake Arlington Baptist Church. The funeral procession to the cemetery included 200 cars and patrol vehicles. Craig Hanking was buried at Moore Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Arlington with full honors, including the playing of Taps, a 21-gun salute, and a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace. Local law enforcement held a moment of silence on the police radio. The Fort Worth Police Department and CareFlite helicopters performed a flyover.

Fellow officers remarked that Hanking was “a good cop headed for a bright career.” Classmates recalled his eagerness and enthusiasm. Family and peers remembered him as charismatic, outgoing, energetic, well-liked, and respected. Hanking was a committed Christian, described as selfless, honest, loyal, and upstanding. He was also playfully nicknamed “Mr. Potato Head” by fellow officers for his fondness of snacking on plain baked potatoes.

Arlington remembers Craig Hanking with a street name and a plaque at Heroes Park. There is also a memorial sign near the accident site. The Arlington Police Department holds an annual ceremony in May to honor and recognize officers lost in the line of duty. They also post remembrances on Facebook for each of the anniversaries.

Display of various objects belonging to and honoring Officer Craig M. Hanking.

Shown is Officer Hanking’s wallet containing his business card on the left and his ID badge on the right, with his watch below. The bronze horse statue is called a “caparisoned horse”. The single riderless horse carries boots reversed in the stirrups in a military funeral. By tradition in military funeral honors, a caparisoned horse follows the casket of the deceased indicating that the warrior will ride no more.

— Arlington Police Department Collection

We remember with gratitude Officer Craig Hanking’s service to Arlington. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Resources and Additional Reading

Photo Credits

Arlington Police Department Collection in The Portal to Texas History.

Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 08-03-24

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