Officer Ronald D. Rotruck, Akron Police Department, Ohio

Officer Ronald D. Rotruck

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 Reflections

Thanks 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