Officer Ronald D. Rotruck

Officer Ronald D. Rotruck | Akron Police Department, Ohio
Akron Police Department, Ohio
Officer Ronald D. Rotruck

Akron Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, July 21, 1964

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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
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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Ronald D. Rotruck of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 66 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 21, 2021

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