Akron Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Tuesday, July 21, 1964
Ronald D. Rotruck
Officer Ronald Rotruck was killed in a cave-in of the West Tallmadge Parkway while attempting a rescue. A vehicle had fallen into the section of roadway that had collapsed and the occupants, a woman, her daughter, and a neighbor's child, were trapped. Officer Rotruck and a civilian entered the hole using a rope being held by other bystanders.
They managed to free the woman and one of the girls but, as the cave-in continued to expand, Officer Rotruck, the citizen, and the girl were killed.
Officer Rotruck had served with the Akron Police Department for 5 years. He was survived by his wife and three young daughters.
Bio
- Age 28
- Tour 5 years
- Badge 4
Incident Details
- Cause Weather/Natural disaster
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsThanks to all of the law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep up us safe. God bless the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The officers and our community have been so caring and helpful to my family over the years, it's greatly appreciated.
Debi Foss
Daughter
July 11, 2015
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Rogelio Santander
Dallas Police Department, TX
EOW: April 25, 2018

Corporal Eugene Cole
Somerset County Sheriff's Office, ME
EOW: April 25, 2018

Detective Sergeant Brian Scott Cuscino
New Castle Police Department, PA
EOW: April 19, 2018

Police Officer Tamby Yagan
Paterson Police Department, NJ
EOW: April 22, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Casey L. Shoemate
Miller County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: April 20, 2018

Sergeant Noel Ramirez
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Sergeant Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018