Columbus Division of Police Honor Guard

A date late, but still always remembered, today help us keep the life of Richard Fickeisen alive: EOW – Monday, June 1st, 1987.

Patrolman Richard Fickeisen was a nineteen-year Division veteran when he was shot in the back on the morning of July 11, 1974.

At approximately 7:00 a.m. that morning, Officer Fickeisen arrived at 413 N. Virginia Lee Road to serve a warrant. He parked his cruiser and entered the building. When no one answered the door at the apartment named on the warrant, Officer Fickeisen exited the building and headed back to his cruiser. As he passed a man on the sidewalk, the man suddenly drew a revolver and fired, hitting Officer Fickeisen in the spine with a .38 caliber bullet.

Officer Fickeisen was paralyzed from the waist down. He underwent numerous operations and suffered ongoing medical problems until he died in 1987 as a direct result of his injuries.

Today, lets keep the family of Officer Walter O. Womeldorf in ourprayers. EOW – Friday, May 29th, 1925.

Detective Walter O. Womeldorf entered the department July 1, 1920, and was shot to death May 29, 1925. He was working with fellow officers and probation agents when bootleggers were apprehended in the vicinity of Mt. Vernon and Taylor Avenues. A shooting affray resulted and in the darkness, Detective Womeldorf was mistaken for one of the bootleggers and was shot and killed by one of this his own party.

Over 61 years ago, we lost Patrolman Robert F. Lisska: EOW – Wednesday, May 26th, 1965.

Patrolman Robert F. Lisska, 36, who entered the department July 1,1959, was the 32nd officer killed in the line of duty. On May 27, 1965, he was on motorcycle patrol on Columbus’ West Side when, in trying to avoid an automobile that had changed lanes into his path, his cycle went out of control and hit a pole. Lisska suffered a fractured skull and died instantly. The driver of the car was later apprehended and charged with changing lanes without safety. He and his wife had three children.

We invite you to join us for the Columbus Police Memorial Service. This ceremony honors the bravery and dedication of our 59 law enforcement officers that gave the ultimate sacrifice from the Columbus Division of Police.

The event will be held indoors, as a precaution against inclement weather, at the James G. Jackson Columbus Police Academy Auditorium, 1000 N. Hague Ave., tomorrow, Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 am.

We hope to see you there!

Today we remember the life of: Patrolman Edward J. Murphy - EOW Saturday, May 11th, 1935.

Patrolman Edward J. Murphy became a policeman October 9, 1922. One of the most beloved officers on the force, he met his death May 11, 1935, in a gun battle with a burglary suspect in a building at Long and High Streets. The officer was assigned to No. 1 cruiser with John P. Sears at the time. He had cornered the burglar in a stairway landing to the basement of the building and had emptied his gun at the man. As he started down the steps after the suspect, the man opened fire. Four shots struck Patrolman Murphy. The suspect was later captured and electrocuted in Ohio Penitentiary.

Patrolman Murphy's partner was killed in the line of duty the following year when he fell from the same building Patrolman Murphy was killed in during a search a warrant.

Patrolman Murphy had served with the agency for 13 years.

25 years ago today, we lost a wonderful officer: Lieutenant Christopher Claypool – EOW: Sunday, April 29th, 2001.

Lieutenant Christopher Claypool was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while at the scene of another accident.

As he walked across the intersection with his flashlight to check on one of the victims of the initial accident , he was struck by the suspected drunk driver, who then fled the scene. The incident occurred at approximately 0030 hours.

The suspect was eventually apprehended and charged with vehicular homicide. The suspect pled guilty to leaving the scene of an accident.

Lieutenant Claypool had been employed with the Columbus Division of Police for 13 years, and is survived by his wife and two children. He was three days shy of his 40th birthday.

172 years ago, today, we lost our first office in the line of duty : Officer Cyrus Beebe – EOW: Thursday, April 27th, 1854.

Officer Cyrus Beebe was shot and killed while assisting officers from the Newark Police Department arrest a robbery suspect in Columbus.

The man was located at a place known as the Scioto House, on Friend Street near the canal, by the officers. As they attempted to arrest him the opened fire with a revolver while fleeing. One of the shots struck Officer Beebe in the head, causing a fatal wound.

The subject fled the area but was located in Wisconsin in 1857. He admitted murdering Officer Beebe to two undercover officers who were investigating him for robbing a farmer of $1,500 worth of gold. He was returned to Columbus where he was convicted of murdering Officer Beebe. The man was sentenced to life in prison but was pardoned in 1875.

35 years ago today, we lost: Officer Raymond Radel – EOW: Thursday, April 25th, 1991.

Officer Raymond Radel succumbed to injuries received five days earlier when his car was struck head-on on I-70 just outside of Columbus. Officer Radel was returning from an assignment to the Police Athletic League Classic Car Show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the time of the accident.

Officer Radel had served with the agency for 25 years, and had previously served with the United States Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Today, help us remember the life of: Patrolman Troy Stewart – EOW: Tuesday, April 22nd, 1924.

Patrolman Stewart was shot and killed after responding to a fight. The suspect was convicted of murder and executed on March 27, 1925.

Patrolman Stewart had been with the agency for six months.

Today members of the CPD Run Club and special guests DC Justin Coleman and Sgt Jim Morrow honored SWAT Officer Steve Smith who made the ultimate sacrifice on April 12, 2016. God Bless you Steve #1386 💙