Ohio State University Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Monday, February 10, 1997
Add to My HeroesMichael Blankenship
Police Officer Michael Blankenship was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a suspicious person call at the Wexner Center for the Arts.
The killer committed suicide.
Officer Blankenship had served with the Ohio State University Police Department for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 43
- Tour 19 years
- Badge 303
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 89 ReflectionsHi dad. A couple of days ago, I was invited by Corwin to attend one of the OSUPD retiree lunches. I got to see Charlie, Bob, Richard and Denny. Stories went around, lots of laughing, same thing that always happens when stories of you are told. It was a really nice reflection and catching up. There was a retired officer that was already gone before you were killed, I didn't know him, but he stood up and spoke about that day and he had came to the station when it happened just to be there for your other officers if needed. He toasted and left so I didn't get to talk to him, but it brought tears to my eyes and memories flooded back. I still remember that night like it was last night and it never gets easier and never goes away. I miss you so much. I'm taking cookies to the station today, even though most of the faces are new, most of your fellow officers have since retired, but I still go most years to see the memorial they've created for you at the station, inside and out. They still use some of your bike techniques and training for bike school and everytime I'm there they update me on new things. It's a really nice reminder and honor to remain part of the family. They always keep us in their minds and continue to invite us to different events. They bring flowers to mom every year. you're in my thoughts and prayers today and every day. I love you and miss you, until I get to see you again. RIP
Dianne Ratliff
February 10, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Sergeant Cory Maynard
West Virginia State Police, WV
EOW: June 2, 2023

Corporal Shawn Kelly
Denham Springs Police Department, LA
EOW: June 2, 2023

Corrections Deputy Marcus Zeigler
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2023

Police Officer Horren Randy Tyler
Madison Police Department, MS
EOW: June 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023

Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023

Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023

Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023