Patrolman Otto J. Ziska

Otto J. Ziska

Patrolman Ziska died of an illness he contracted after rescuing several people from a building fire 16 years earlier. Patrolman Ziska repeatedly entered a burning building to rescue trapped civilians. As a result, Officer Ziska inhaled large quantities of poisonous gasses that were emitting from the burning building. Officer Ziska was in continuous ill health after that incident but continued to work. Officer Ziska succumbed to heart disease he contracted as a result of exposure to the harmful fumes.

Officer Ziska had served with the Cleveland Police Department for 22 years, and is survived by his wife and four children.