Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Saturday, December 18, 1937
Add to My HeroesGerald N. Bode
Patrolman Gerald Bode and Patrolman Virgil Bayne were shot and killed while questioning five suspicious men at a gas station on Buckeye Road.
As Patrolman Bayne questioned one of the men outside of the vehicle, the suspect produced a revolver and opened fire. At the same time, the four suspects inside the car began shooting at Patrolman Bode. Both officers were able to return fire but did not strike the suspects. The officers were both shot and taken to St. Luke's Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
All five suspects were apprehended. One was sentenced to death and electrocuted. The rest were all convicted and eventually paroled.
Patrolman Bode served with the Cleveland Division of Police for over three years. He was survived by his wife, father, and two brothers.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 3 years, 4 months
- Badge 782
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Revolver
- Offender One executed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Gerald N. Bode of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 80 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
December 18, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

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

Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: May 6, 2023

Detective Jacob Beu
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: May 7, 2023

Police Officer Robert Shisler
Deptford Township Police Department, NJ
EOW: May 7, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, WI
EOW: May 6, 2023