Patrolman Francis Smolka

Patrolman Francis Smolka | Vermilion Police Department, Ohio Patrolman Francis Smolka | Vermilion Police Department, Ohio
Vermilion Police Department, Ohio
Patrolman Francis Smolka | Vermilion Police Department, Ohio
Patrolman Francis Smolka | Vermilion Police Department, Ohio
Patrolman Francis Smolka

Vermilion Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Sunday, October 29, 1978

Add to My Heroes

Francis Smolka

Patrolman Francis Smolka suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after arresting a suspect who had resisted arrest.

Patrolman Smolka, along with two fellow officers answered a disturbance call which involved a physical altercation with a male who resisted arrest. Upon returning to the station, Patrolman Smolka collapsed. Three officers performed CPR at the station and while en route to Lorain Community Hospital. Despite attempts by hospital staff, he was pronounced dead at 2:15 a.m.

Patrolman Smolka was survived by his wife, two brothers, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge 9

Incident Details

  • Cause Heart attack

disturbance

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Francis Smolka of the Vermilion Police Department, Ohio and the additional 65 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

October 29, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths