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Incident
Chief of Police John Bohl suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after arriving at the scene of a horrific traffic crash on US Route 6. When he arrived at the scene, five victims, including an infant, had already died. As he assisted with the rescue efforts of other victims, mostly young children, he suffered a heart attack. He was pronounced dead at the Geauga Community Hospital. Ultimately, six adults, an infant, and a toddler died in the crash. A photographer also suffered a heart attack. Chief Bohl had served as the chief of police of the Chardon Police Department for 19 years and served in law enforcement for over 26 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, stepson, mother, brother, and three grandchildren.
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
26 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Bohl gave the Chardon Police Department 26 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chardon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Bohl.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
John is the only officer of Chardon Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 43 officers lost to cardiac events in OH, 4.3% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 1 officer in OH was lost to cardiac events, the 9th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1996, with 3.
In 1966, 13 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1966, 13 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 43rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
John was 51. Of the 43 lost to cardiac events in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 45.5 and 52.5; the middle age was 49. John had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 19 years.
John was 51. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
John was 51. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. John had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
October holds 11.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 16.3%. Tuesdays: 16.3%.
October holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
October holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Chardon Police Department.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.3% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Chardon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.