Lieutenant Jerry E. Dragosin, Cambridge Police Department, Ohio

Lieutenant Jerry E. Dragosin

Cambridge Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, August 21, 1984

Jerry E. Dragosin

Lieutenant Dragosin was shot and killed in the driveway of the police department. The suspect had gone to the police station in an attempt to recover a handgun that had been confiscated from him earlier in the week. When he arrived at the station a dispatcher informed Lieutenant Dragosin the man was there and in possession of another handgun.

When Lieutenant Dragosin contacted the man a struggle ensued. The suspect was able to gain control of Lieutenant Dragosin's service revolver and fatally shot him. As the suspect fled the scene he encountered an off duty officer and the two exchanged shots. Both men were wounded in the exchange. The man continued to flee and led officers on a 50 mile pursuit into West Virginia where he was finally taken into custody.

The suspect was convicted of Lieutenant Dragosin's murder and sentenced to life. He was denied a commutation of his sentence in 2008. He will be eligible for parole in 2024.

Lieutenant Dragosin was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 34
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 17 Reflections

I remember the night my mother received the phone call that a member of our church, a police officer, had been shot and killed. It was the day after my 10th birthday. I remember the masses coming out and lining the streets for the funeral procession. I realized, at a young age, how men and women in this profession are willing to pay the ultimate price to help protect everyone else, regardless of their race, gender, or social status, and how moving it was to see the amount of respect shown by the citizenry for your sacrifice.

Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten! As with many others, you have left a lasting impression on my life. Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Major T. S. Hines
Barrow Co. (GA) Sheriff's Office

October 18, 2016