Deputy Sheriff Donald V. Kehnast

Deputy Sheriff Donald V. Kehnast

Defiance County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, December 15, 1964

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Donald V. Kehnast

Deputy Sheriff Donald Kehnast suffered a fatal heart attack while he and several other officers struggled with a mental patient at a tavern in Defiance, Ohio.

Deputy Kehnast had been elected sheriff two months earlier and was to take office on January 4, 1965. He had served with the Defiance County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Bio

  • Age 52
  • Tour 22 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Heart attack

EDP, mentally ill

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Donald V. Kehnast was an honorable man with many years of service and experience patrolling the county in which I grew up in. Thank you for your service, I'm confident your family is successful and honors you even past your untimely death. Much respect for you and your department, as I'm sure your peers held you in their memories of service. We will never forget your impact, thank you for keeping the community clean!
With much respect, thank you for your service
Cole Carman

Cole Carman
Student at Schoharie Capital Region BOCES, NY

February 25, 2023

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