Jamestown Constable Dearduff died from a stab wound he received February 21, 1823 when he attempted to serve a Mayor's warrant in town. Constable Dearduff and another Constable were attempting to arrest a suspect, when the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed Constable Dearduff between the ribs. The other Constable shot and wounded the suspect. Constable Dearduff died the next day from his wound. Constable Dearduff is reportedly the first known law enforcement line of duty death in the State of Ohio.
Town Marshal John Harris
EOW 10/3/1888
Cedarville Town Marshal John Harris arrested an intoxicated individual causing a disturbance in 1888. While walking the subject to the jail, in downtown Cedarville, the subject fired a weapon from inside his pants, striking Harris with a fatal wound.
Xenia Police Officer Elvas Matthews
EOW 12/21/1922
On December 21, 1922, Xenia Police Officer Elvas Matthews was on night duty, conducting foot patrol on East Main Street near Collier Street. He was the victim of an ambush when he was shot in the back and died. It was found that earlier that year, the shooter had also shot and killed a Wilmington Police Officer.
Xenia Police Officer Charles Simms
EOW 7/10/1925
On July 10, 1925, Officer Charles Simms was attempting to serve a warrant for vandalism, in the 900 block of East Church Street for Cedarville PD. While at the front door, a shot was fired from inside the house, striking and killing Officer Simms.
Ohio State Trooper Charles Cannon
EOW 1/1/1938
On January 1, 1938 Trooper Charles Cannon was riding his motorcycle on patrol on US 42 heading from Cedarville to Xenia. Reports stated a dog ran into his path causing him to swerve his bike to avoid the animal. Trooper Cannon left the roadway, struck a tree and died. He was assigned to the Clark County Post.
Greene County Deputy Sheriff Earl Confer
EOW 1/29/1946
Deputy Sheriff Earl Confer was shot and killed, while another deputy was wounded, in a gunfight with two 21-year-old men while making a traffic stop on January 29, 1946. One of the suspects was shot and seriously wounded.
Investigator James Burns, Ohio Division of Liquor Control
EOW 11/7/1964
Investigator James Burns was shot and killed by a Xenia police officer who mistook him for an armed suspect. Investigator Burns and an aide were conducting surveillance at a Xenia night club and followed a group of 16 people who had left the club, believing they were heading to a location serving bootlegged alcohol. The group walked to a nearby home on Main Street to attend a private party.
When Investigator Burns entered the home he was told to leave by the homeowner. When he refused to leave the residents blocked his exit as they called the local police, not knowing that he was an undercover agent. When the homeowner walked into a different room Investigator Burns followed him. A struggle ensued between the two men and Investigator Burns' service weapon fell to the floor. As the two struggled for it the weapon discharged, fatally striking the homeowner in the head.
A Xenia officer was just arriving at the home when the shot was fired and he entered the home with his gun drawn. He observed Investigator Burns holding his service weapon and ordered him to drop it. When he did not immediately drop it the officer opened fire, striking him in the chest.
Greene County Sheriff's Deputy Donald Perry
EOW 11/27/1970
Deputy Perry was accidentally shot while investigating a breaking and entering in progress call in Beavercreek Township. He was mistaken for a burglar and shot by another deputy.
Federal Way, Washington Officer Brian Walsh Former Greene County Sheriff's Deputy
EOW 3/21/2010
Officer Brian Walsh suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after responding to an officer-involved shooting.
After the initial response and search for suspects, Officer Walsh was posted on the perimeter to secure the shooting scene. At approximately 6:45 am he was found collapsed in his patrol car. Medics were unsuccessful in reviving Officer Walsh.
Cedarville Officer Casey Terrell
EOW 12/31/2007
Officer Casey Terrell was killed in an automobile crash on US 42, New Year's Eve 2007. He was on his way to work at the Cedarville Police Department, when he swerved to miss a deer, crossed into oncoming traffic and was hit by another vehicle.
