Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Friday, May 11, 1923
Add to My HeroesDennis Griffin
Patrolman Dennis Griffin was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner to jail.
The man had been arrested during a stakeout by Patrolman Griffin and another officer. Before being taken to jail, the man asked if he could go into his house to change and say goodbye to his wife. While inside, he was able to conceal a .45 caliber revolver in his pocket.
When Patrolman Griffin and the man failed to report to the station, a search was begun. Patrolman Griffin's burned uniform was found three days later, and his body was found in a shallow grave nearby shortly thereafter. He had been shot once in the neck.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended in Detroit, Michigan, the following month. He was sentenced to life but died after being shot while attempting to escape from prison.
Patrolman Griffin served in the 14th Precinct. He was survived by his wife and 9-month-old son.
He is buried in Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bio
- Age 47
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsAs part of the Greater Cleveland Police Officers Memorial Society, each year during Police Week we place grave markers at the top of the tombstones of Officers who have been killed in the line of duty. We do this in an effort to keep our promise to "Never Forget."
I was assigned this Officer during Police Week 2023.
Once the grave marker was placed, I placed a US Flag and a Great Cleveland Police Officers Memorial Society Flag in the marker, took a moment of silence, and then said a prayer.
After Police Week, I went back to retrieve the marker and flags and secured them for next years Police Week. A penny was placed upon his tombstone.
Sergeant Todd James Vogler
US Dept. Of Veterans Affairs
May 22, 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