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Incident
Sergeant Robert Bennett was shot and killed while responding to a bank robbery at 1:15 p.m. The two suspects were dressed as police officers, taking a woman hostage as they fled the Continental Bank at 6809 W. 130th Street in Parma. Sergeant Bennett arrived at the robbery scene as one of the suspects, and the hostage exited the rear door. The suspect and Sergeant Bennett exchanged fire, and both were fatally wounded. The other suspect was captured at the scene. In 1941, he was sent to prison for killing a man in Cleveland and was paroled in 1968. He was convicted of Sergeant Bennett's murder and sentenced to 102 years in prison on May 3, 1973. Sergeant Bennett was a United States Navy WWII veteran and had served with the Parma Heights Police Department for over 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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 Bennett gave the Parma Heights Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Parma Heights 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 W. Bennett served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Parma Heights Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 8 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 43. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15.3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 15.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.4% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Parma Heights Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Military Service
Robert W. Bennett served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Robert W. Bennett’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 41-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Parma Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.