Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio
End of Watch: Monday, February 27, 1967
Age: 22
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 500
Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit
Date of Incident: February 27, 1967
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Jon Birchem was killed in an automobile crash while chasing two speeding cars in Wood County.
He lost control of his vehicle on the icy road surface of the Ohio Turnpike and struck a bridge pillar at the Route 795 overpass. The speeders were never apprehended.
Patrolman Birchem had served with the Ohio State Highway for one year, assigned to the Swanton Post. He is survived by his wife, son, mother, father, and grandmother.