Honoring Cleveland Heights' Fallen Officers

Since 1920, Cleveland Heights Police Department has lost four police officers in the line of duty.

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Patch is highlighting those men who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep their city safe. 

Captain Edward Bertram Connolly

End of watch: Sept. 2, 1920

Captain Connolly, 42, succumbed to gunshot wounds received during a shootout between officers and a burglar near a drug store on Cedar Road at 3 a.m. on Sept. 2, 1920.

Captain Connolly and other officers had been alerted to the burglary by another patrolman who had called for backup. While Captain Connolly was standing in an alley another officer opened fire on him thinking he was the burglar. Captain Connolly was taken to a local hospital where he died from his wounds six days later.

Patrolman Norman C. Reker

End of watch: Feb. 21, 1948

Patrolman Norman Reker was shot and killed as he and his partner responded to a robbery in progress on Colchester Road. 

The robber opened fire and struck Patrolman Reker in the stomach. Both officers were able to return fire and shot the robber. Patrolman Reker was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.

The robber was sentenced to death in the electric chair and executed on June 23, 1949.

Officer Jason West

End of watch: May 26, 2007

Officer West, 31, responded to a disturbance call on Altamont Avenue, near South Taylor Road. A fight over a woman had broken out at a large party at the location. Police dispatchers assigned three cruisers to the disturbance. Officer West pulled down Altamont Avenue going east, followed by another cruiser. 

As Officer West approached in his cruiser, the suspect backed his car into the driveway. Officer West pulled his cruiser in front of the car, blocking it. When Officer West stepped out of his cruiser, the suspect opened fire at him from inside the parked car. The suspect then exited the car and continued to shoot Officer West at close range, striking him in the leg and face. 

The suspect fled north to Beechwood Avenue and ditched his gun in a neighboring driveway before breaking into a woman's house. The woman fled the house and was not harmed. Officers found the suspect hiding on the second floor and took him into custody.

Officer West was transported to Huron Hospital where he died from his wounds.

Four years prior to this incident the suspect had told his family that he wanted to kill a police officer. He then went out and threw a brick at a police cruiser and assaulted an officer. He was later convicted of that crime and sentenced to probation.

The suspect plead guilty to Aggravated Murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Officer West.

Officer Thomas F. Patton, II

End of watch: March 13, 2010

Officer Thomas Patton, 30, suffered a fatal heart attack while chasing a suspect. 

Officer Patton responded to assist another officer who was in foot pursuit of a suspect who had been harassing two women inside a convenience store. When that officer tried to make an arrest, the suspect spit in his face and fled on foot. The officer pursued and called for assistance. Officer Patton responded and joined in the pursuit, which went through the woods and several backyards.

At Glenmont and Mayfield Roads, Officer Patton bent over, rested his hands on his knees for a moment and then continued running. He collapsed shortly after.

He was transported to Huron Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Officer Patton had served with the Cleveland Heights Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his 4-month-old daughter, fiancee, five sisters, and his father, Ohio State Senator Thomas F. Patton.

--Informaton provided by the Cleveland Heights Police Department