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Incident
Chief of Police George Benz and Juvenile Probation Officer August Utendorfer were killed in a vehicle crash on Route 17 in Nicholson, Kenton County.
They had just transported a juvenile inmate to the Greendale House of Reform, in Lexington, and were returning to Campbell County when the crash occurred. The vehicle skidded off of the shoulder of the highway. As Chief Benz tried to regain control of the vehicle it skidded into oncoming traffic and collided with a milk truck. Chief Benz was killed instantly. Probation Officer Utendorfer died approximately 30 minutes later.
Chief Benz had served with the Campbell County Police Department for almost 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Chief of Police Benz gave the Campbell County Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Alexandria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Benz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Campbell County Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
George is one of 161 officers lost to accidents in KY, 16.4% of the 984 remembered there.
George is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
George is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1948, 3 officers in KY were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 7.
In 1948, 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 1948, 81 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
George was 61. Of the 150 lost to accidents in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.8; the middle age was 39. George had served 10.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 61. 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. George had served 10.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
George was 61. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. George had served 10.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 12.4% of these deaths in KY; April holds the most, 13.7%. Mondays: 12.4%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Campbell County Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 16.4% of all 984 deaths in KY, 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 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Campbell County Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, George among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Campbell County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
