FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LAKE ERIE LODGE #17
SANDUSKY, OHIO
ROLL CALL OF BROTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY IN ERIE COUNTY
PATROLMAN LEVI CLEVENS
SANDUSKY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Patrolman Clevens died on April 21, 1906 of rabies. Several months before, he had been bitten by a diseased dog that he was attempting to recapture. The dog had broken free from confinement at the old central police station on West Market Street. Patrolman Clevens subsequently became ill and his death was attributed to that dog bite.
Patrolman Clevens, who was survived by his wife, was 47 years old.
DETECTIVE MOSES PRICE
LAKE SHORE AND MICHIGAN SOUTHERN RAILWAY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Detective Price and his partner were working a stakeout detail in the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern railroad yard near Mills Street in Sandusky on the evening of January 16, 1914, attempting to capture those responsible for a recent rash of thefts from rail cars. Detective Price confronted and attempted to apprehend two males he observed break into a car. A gun battle ensued. Detective Price wounded both males but he sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
Detective Price, survived by his wife and children, was 45 years old.
PATROLMAN LEROY BEDELL
OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
Patrolman Bedell died on August 20, 1935 from injuries sustained earlier that day in a traffic crash. Patrolman Bedell was on patrol on what is now State Route 113, east of State Route 4, in Groton Township. A dog ran into the path of Patrolman Bedell’s motorcycle, and Patrolman Bedell was fatally injured in the ensuing collision.
Patrolman Bedell, who was survived by his wife and five children, was 34 years old.
PATROLMAN PAUL MCMANIS
OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
Patrolman McManis died on September 28, 1941. Patrolman McManis and his partner were responding to a reported fatal traffic crash with their patrol car’s emergency light and siren in operation. An errant driver turned into the side of the patrol car at the intersection of State Route 269 and Mason Road in Groton Township. Patrolman McManis incurred fatal injuries as a result of that patrol car crash.
Patrolman McManis, survived by his parents, was 28 years old.
PATROLMAN FRANCIS SMOLKA
VERMILION POLICE DEPARTMENT
Patrolman Smolka died on October 29, 1978 at the former police station on Grand Street. Several minutes before, Patrolman Smolka and another Vermilion officer had to physically subdue a violent and intoxicated male. Upon arrival at the police station with the prisoner, Patrolman Smolka collapsed and later died. A pre-existing physiological condition, aggravated by the struggle with the male, caused Patrolman Smolka’s death.
Patrolman Smolka, survived by his wife, was 24 years old.
TROOPER ROBERT PEREZ, JR.
OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
Trooper Perez died on National Peace Officer Memorial Day, May 15, 2000, of injuries sustained in a traffic crash several days before. Trooper Perez was seated in his cruiser on the berm, completing paperwork related to a traffic stop he had affected on the Ohio Turnpike in Milan Township. Another vehicle veered off of the roadway and crashed into the rear of Trooper Perez’s cruiser, causing the fatal injuries.
Trooper Robert Perez, Jr., survived by his parents and siblings, was 24 years old.
OFFICER ANDREW DUNN
SANDUSKY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officer Dunn died in the line of duty on Saturday, March 19, 2011. At approximately 3:00 A.M. that morning, Officer Dunn initiated a traffic stop of a bicyclist on Tyler Street, between Hayes Avenue and Prospect Street. Shortly after being stopped, the bicyclist drew a concealed handgun and shot Officer Dunn several times. After receiving those wounds, Officer Dunn was able to return fire, striking his attacker twice. Responding as backup, additional Sandusky Police Department officers were able to immediately arrest Officer Dunn’s assailant.
Officer Dunn is survived by his wife Julie and two young sons, Caleb and Connor. He is also survived by his father, Officer Matt Dunn of the Sandusky Police Department; his mother, Roberta; his stepmother, Vicky, who is a dispatcher with the Perkins Township Police Department; his sister, Nakia Stookey, a dispatcher for the Sandusky Police Department, and his sister, Lesley.
Officer Dunn was 30 years old.