Officer Ronald D. Rotruck

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.