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Incident
Patrolman Donnelly was killed in an automobile crash at the intersection of Limestone Street and Main Street while riding on the running board of a commandeered vehicle. Patrolman Donnelly was on traffic duty at a nearby intersection when he observed a vehicle that had been stolen earlier in the day. Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle had already been recovered and was being driven by the owner. As a result, he commandeered a utility company truck and followed the vehicle. The vehicle he was riding on was involved in a collision causing him to be thrown from the vehicle and then struck by another vehicle. He was transported to City Hospital where he died a short time later. Patrolman Donnelly had served with the Springfield Police Department for 6 years during two different appointments. He was survived by his wife and brother, who was also a member of the agency. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery at Springfield, Clark County, Ohio.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and brother, who was also a member of the agency.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Donnelly gave the Springfield Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Donnelly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Springfield Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 4 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1931, 100 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1931, 115 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 38. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 38. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 38. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 12.2% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 15%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Springfield Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Springfield Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Springfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
