By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
In a time when the risks are growing and public support seems to be waning, law enforcement officers continue to show up every day.
“They put a target on themselves every day in the shape of a star or a badge,” Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson said Thursday at the annual Wood County Police Memorial program in front of the county courthouse.
“Every officer knows this every day, and they still put on that target,” he said.
Between the years of 1896 and 1984, Wood County saw 12 law enforcement officers lose their lives while on duty. The police officers, deputies and troopers were killed in gunfights, in car crashes and in a drowning while trying to rescue a family. (Their stories are told below.)
Though not the one running toward danger, Dobson knows many who do. Bowling Green officers who face many of the same violent criminals who continue being released. Northwood officers combing through a hotel crime scene. Lake Township officers investigating an arson. Sheriff’s deputies investigating a sexual assault.
“It is for those of us who are protected” to support law enforcement as public sentiment fades, Dobson said.
“This is dedicated to those who have fallen, and those who have risen to take their places,” he said.
To the many law enforcement officers attending the program from throughout the county, Dobson wished for them the ability to go home at the end of each shift.
“We are grateful for all you do,” he said. “Be vigilant. Be safe. Get home.”
The memorial program on Thursday concluded with the names of the fallen read aloud, as the “end of watch” bell was rung for each. A wreath was then laid at the memorial to the officers on the courthouse grounds.
The annual police memorial service is a combined effort between the Wood County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 109 and the Wood County Commissioners.
Following is a list of officers who lost their lives on duty in Wood County.
Patrolman Jesse Baker, North Baltimore Police
On June 19, 1896, Officer Baker and his faithful dog responded to the Post Office as three men were breaking in. During an exchange of gunfire, Baker was shot and died as a result of his injuries.
Marshal Frank Thornton, Perrysburg Police Department
On Dec. 28, 1905, Marshal Thornton was told that five wanted individuals were at the Krauss Restaurant. He went to the restaurant and confronted them. During an exchange of gunfire Thornton was struck by a bullet. He was taken by a street car to Toledo Hospital. He later died on Jan. 5, 1906, as a result of infection from his wounds. Thornton’s sense of duty was always foremost in his mind. His last words spoken reportedly were, “I hope the people of Perrysburg are satisfied that I have done my duty.”
Patrolman Austin Harman, Bowling Green Police Department
On May 13, 1919, Bowling Green Police Patrolman Austin Harman was accidentally shot when the .38 revolver dropped from the holster of his partner, Officer E.J. Alkire. The officers were removing a pile of lumber from the corner that was creating a driving hazard for motorists. Harman was shot in the groin and died shortly after.
Deputy Ellsworth Beaverson, Wood County Sheriff’s Office
Wood County Deputy Ellsworth Beaverson was known for his active enforcement against alcohol peddlers in the area. On Aug. 27, 1927, Beaverson was on patrol in southern Wood County on his motorcycle. While driving south on Ohio 25, a Studebaker pulled into the deputy’s path and they collided. Beaverson was thrown from his motorcycle and died as a result of his injuries.
Patrolman Ralph Castner, Bowling Green Police
On April 16, 1931, Frank Mitchell, a notorious criminal, William Miller, also known as “Billy the Killer”, and their two girlfriends came to Bowling Green. As the group reached the corner of Clough and Prospect streets, Castner and Chief Galligher stopped the vehicle Miller and Mitchell were riding in. During an exchange of gunfire, Castner was struck. He did survive his wounds for seven days, but died from his injuries on April 23 1932.
Marshal Jay Davis, North Baltimore Police
On July 187, 1932, having stolen a car and abducted a salesman from Toledo, three brothers by the name of Manley, Bert and James Storey headed south to Bowling Green. There they robbed a gas station and abducted the gas station attendant and the owner.
As they drove on a mud road west of Rudolph, they decided that their hostages were becoming bothersome. The one brother suggested they kill them. The other brother argued against this, so they dumped the hostages off near Rudolph.
The following day the Storey brothers were spotted near Walnut Street in North Baltimore. Residents notified Officer Davis, who grabbed his gun and headed out to locate the brothers. He came across them in an alley east of Main and East Walnut streets in North Baltimore.
Davis got out of his car and told them to put their hands up. Two brothers complied and allowed Davis to walk up to them and begin searching one of the brothers. The other brother pulled a gun out and shot Davis.
Officer Clifton Miller, Rossford Police Department
On May 14, 1966, Rossford Police Officer Clifton Miller was pursuing a vehicle being driven by Tom Watterson on East River Road. Watterson was driving at a high rate of speed through Rossford, and Miller was attempting to stop him as they proceeded on River Road.
As Watterson was approaching about half a mile west of Ohio Turnpike, he lost control and plunged down the river embankment. Miller then lost control of his police cruiser and swung to the left and into the path of another car. Miller died from the injuries sustained in this crash.
Trooper Jon Birchem, Ohio Highway State Patrol
On Feb. 27 1967, Trooper Jon Birchem was working the Ohio Turnpike. Reports indicate that Birchman was pursuing two speeding motorists. As he approached the Ohio 795 overpass, he lost control of his cruiser and crashed. He died from injuries, and the vehicles he was pursuing never stopped, and were never identified.
Birchman was 22 years old at the time of his death. He had just graduated from the Ohio Highway Patrol Academy in June 1966.
Patrolman Kip Boulis, Perrysburg Police
On May 31, 1976, Perrysburg Police Patrolman Kip Boulis responded to the Maumee River, where four individuals had fallen into the water after their boat sank. Boulis dove into the deep water to save the man and his three children. Unfortunately he was snagged by a submerged large tree branch, was unable to reach them and drowned. The family in the water was able to hold on to a cooler and was later rescued by fishermen and fire department personnel.
Sgt. Robert Schiffman, Perrysburg Police
On Nov. 1, 1978, Perrysburg Police Sgt. Robert Schiffman was traveling south on Ohio 25 near Sugar Ridge Road when he was involved in an accident. Another driver went left of center and struck the police cruiser that Schiffman was driving. He was killed instantly in this head on collision.
Chief Thomas W. Hall, Northwood Police Department
Chief Hall passed away on Dec. 31, 1981, as a result of medical issues occurring while he was on duty. While Hall was out of his police cruiser and handling a traffic crash in front of Grabenstetter Chrysler/Plymouth, he suffered a stroke and was transported to the hospital where he later passed away.
Deputy Thomas Bryant, Wood County Sheriff’s Department
On July 23, 1984, Wood County Sheriff Deputy Thomas Bryant was patrolling the southern part of Wood County. He received a call of a breaking and entering near North Baltimore. As Bryant was traveling on Route 25, south of Ohio 281, he lost control of his cruiser as it veered off the road and overturned. He died as a result of his injuries, at 27 years old.
