Officer Down Memorial Page

This is a haunting story of true valor. Officer Rotruck was a great, selfless man.

Officer Rotruck's story was told to us in the police academy 28 years ago. I will never forget the sacrifice he made for the citizens of Akron and the heartbreak his young family must have felt at the time.

May he rest in peace and know that his brothers and sisters in blue pray each night for the courage to follow in his footsteps.

EAD

Captain Elizabeth Daugherty
Akron Police Department
July 21, 2011

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.

Linda Docy
Daughter
October 11, 2009

RIP.You will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved you.

Anonymous
October 9, 2008

MY BROTHER, YOUR SACRIFICE SHOULD BE TOLD BY EVERY POLICE ACADEMY IN THIS GREAT NATION. TO ME, ALL POLICE OFFICER'S ARE HERO'S. BUT YOUR SACRIFICE IS A STORY OF A TRUE HERO. YOU DEFINED THE TRUE NATURE OF A POLICE OFFICER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WELL AS COWORKER'S. MAY YOU NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. HOPE TO MEET YOU ONE DAY IN HEAVEN.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
July 21, 2007

I was born and raised in Akron, and can still recall this story being told to me by my father. I'm glad that this memorial exists to remember the good works of hero's like Officer Rotruck. He will never be forgotten.

Officer John Valeri
U.S. Customs and border Protection
January 25, 2007

I was born on this day. The day that this brave person gave his life to protect others.

wade anthony
born Tuesday July 21st 1964
abilene, texas

wade lowe anthony
born on this day
August 29, 2006

We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and hope that those who did not perish in this accident have made their life a joyous one.

Lori
daughter
August 8, 2006

TO THE FAMILY OF OFFICER ROTRUCK:
MY YOU FIND SOME COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT YOU REMAIN IN THE HEARTS AND PRAYERS OF MANY. WE'LL NEVER FORGET HIM.

OHIO
pray for our troops
overseas, and those who keep our streets safe everyday here. God bless.

August 2, 2005

May God continue you to grant you eternal peace, and bring peace and comfort to your loved ones.

January 19, 2005

Officer Rotruck,

Rest in Peace Brother...Never forgotten...

Officer
NC
August 7, 2004

Thousands of cars pass every day over the spot where you unselfishly gave your life, answering the call to serve and protect. I only wonder how many people in those thousands of vehicles actually think of you, and why West Tallmadge Parkway is now Memorial Parkway.

Patrolman Michael Williams
Akron Police Department
March 10, 2004

I was 17 years old when Ronald Rotruck gave his life for the citizens of Akron. Ohio. I will always remember reading about his heroic act in the Beacon Journal. I was very saddened by his death, however I knew that he did not die in vain. I will always remember him as long as I live and I kept his memory with me throughout my 31 year law enforcement career. May God Bless His Soul.

MPO III Daryl E. Delagrange, Ret.
High Point, NC Police Dept

You died so that others might live. God speed and rest easy. We will continue for you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)