Behind the Challenge Coin Club: Tribute to Officer Jacob Hancher of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, EOW 10/3/2020

by Thin Blue Line USA January 31, 2025

Fallen Officer Jacob Hancher Challenge Coin

Fallen but never forgotten—For Officer Jacob William Hancher, his story is one of bravery, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his community. To honor his legacy, Thin Blue Line USA has partnered with his family to create a tribute challenge coin through our Challenge Coin Club, ensuring his name lives on in a way that inspires and unites.

A Life of Service and Dedication

Jacob Hancher was more than just a police officer; he was a son, a friend, and a community hero whose unwavering dedication to serving others defined his life. While his career with the Myrtle Beach Police Department spanned only eight months, his passion for public safety started years before as a volunteer firefighter—a role he remained committed to through his end of watch.

Jacob’s journey into law enforcement was far from easy. Struggling to meet the demanding physical requirements of the police academy, he faced a major obstacle: his intense dislike of running. But Jacob’s determination never wavered. Despite initial setbacks, he worked tirelessly to improve his fitness, pushing himself beyond his limits. Overcoming both physical and mental barriers, he achieved his dream of becoming a police officer.

Jacob was widely admired for his genuine kindness and unwavering willingness to help others, leaving a lasting impact on his community. His parents, Jeff and Kathy, shared heartfelt stories of his compassion, including how he would often take arrestees for a fast-food meal before bringing them to the jail. Or how at Jacob's funeral, a man quietly arrived and simply asked to sit in the room, explaining that Jacob had once done the same for him—sitting with him on the boardwalk during a difficult night, offering support when he needed it most.

Jacob's small acts of compassion showed the size of his heart. Tragically, on October 3, 2020, Jacob’s watch came to an end. Responding to a domestic violence call, he was fatally shot in the line of duty. He was just 23 years old.

Jacob’s legacy is carried forward not only in the lessons he imparted—like perseverance and selflessness—but also in the irony of the Myrtle Beach 5K race named in his honor. Despite Jacob's dislike of running, the race embodies his determination and serves as a touching tribute to his life.

The Officer Hancher Tribute Challenge Coin

Following Jacob’s passing, his parents, Jeff and Kathy, became passionate advocates for other families of fallen officers through COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors). Their work with COPS allows them to honor the legacy of other heroes by providing resources and compassion to help grieving families rebuild their lives—just as the organization first did for them.

Their dedication to keeping Jacob’s memory alive led them to Thin Blue Line USA. Together with Jacob's family, we collaborated to design a challenge coin that reflects his life, service, and enduring impact on everyone who knew him. To further honor his legacy, we provided 300 of these tribute challenge coins to Officer Hancher’s family, completely free of charge. This partnership not only gave his parents a meaningful way to share his story, but it also allowed countless others to connect with Jacob’s compassion and the values he stood for.

What is the Challenge Coin Club?

At the heart of this tribute is Thin Blue Line USA’s Challenge Coin Club. Every month, the club features authentic coins from agencies nationwide, special units, or coins in tribute of fallen officers. For Jacob Hancher’s coin, we captured his spirit as a police officer and the values he stood for.

Challenge coins hold deep significance in the law enforcement community. Symbolizing camaraderie, honor, and legacy, these coins are often exchanged between officers and collectors as tokens of respect and remembrance. Through the Challenge Coin Club, the culture of honoring service continues, ensuring Jacob’s story reaches countless hands and hearts.

For Jacob’s parents, this coin is more than a keepsake. It’s a way to connect with others, share Jacob’s compassion, and inspire a wave of support for law enforcement officers nationwide.

How You Can Support Officer Hancher’s Legacy

Jacob Hancher’s legacy continues to inspire those who knew him and those who learn about his story through Thin Blue Line USA. Here’s how you can help carry his memory forward while supporting the law enforcement community:

Join the Challenge Coin Club: Become part of a group dedicated to honoring fallen officers like Jacob. Receive one or two challenge coins monthly while directly supporting our mission to help survivor families preserve the memory of their fallen heroes.
Share Jacob’s story: Whether through social media or word of mouth, sharing Jacob’s compassionate and selfless legacy can inspire others to support law enforcement.
Engage with COPS: Learn more about how Jeff, Kathy, and others in C.O.P.S. work to support survivor families. Consider contributing or volunteering to assist families of fallen officers.

Keeping Heroes’ Stories Alive

The memory of Officer Jacob Hancher remains a guiding light for those in the law enforcement community. It reminds us of the importance of selflessness, compassion, and determination. Through initiatives like the Challenge Coin Club, Thin Blue Line USA is committed to preserving and celebrating the legacies of heroes like Jacob.

Every coin minted and handed out tells a story—a story of bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. By supporting Jacob’s coin and the Challenge Coin Club, you're not just honoring a fallen officer—you’re helping keep their story alive for generations to come.

Together, we can ensure that officers like Jacob Hancher are never forgotten.