Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Hilary Cudnik was shot and killed while making a felony traffic stop on a stolen vehicle. As the suspect exited the vehicle he opened fire with .223 caliber rifle, striking Officer Cudnik in the neck, head, and chest several times. Backup units on the scene returned fire and severely wounded the suspect. Officers on scene immediately transported Officer Cudnik to Mount Sinai Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The 37-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He has his first parole hearing on December 21, 2028. Officer Cudnik had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-F7D07243- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Cudnik gave the Cleveland Division of Police 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Cudnik.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrol Officer Hilary S. Cudnik is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Cleveland Division of Police, 83 of 119 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Hilary S. Cudnik's cause is highlighted.
How Hilary S. Cudnik Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Hilary S. Cudnik is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Hilary S. Cudnik was killed by rifle; mini 14.
Others Who Wore This Badge
118 officers from Cleveland Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
