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Incident
Sergeant Robert Rigoni, Deputy Sheriff Bruce Mettler of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, and Dispatcher Michael Sweeney of the Put-in-Bay Police Department were killed when the plane they were riding in crashed into Lake Erie. The officers were traveling to assist a police chief on a neighboring island who was suffering a heart attack. All four occupants of the plane were killed in the accident. Sergeant Rigoni was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Port Clinton Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
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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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Navy. One record, 2 gates. Robert is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Rigoni gave the Port Clinton Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Port Clinton community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Robert B. Rigoni served in the U.S. Navy (1966â1970) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Robert is the only officer of Port Clinton Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1983, 5 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1983, 74 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1983, 92 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 33rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.8% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Fridays: 16.9%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Port Clinton Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Military Service
Robert B. Rigoni served in the U.S. Navy (1966–1970) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert B. Rigoni’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Port Clinton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.