Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Wert was struck and killed by a drunk driver while making an arrest of a second drunk driver at 1:33 am on State Route 88. Patrolman Wert's partner was also struck and injured. The suspect who struck the officers fled the scene but was arrested at his home a short time later. The 17-year-old driver was charged with drunk driving, hit-and-run, and involuntary manslaughter. Patrolman Wert had previously served as a United States Army Military Policeman before joining the Ravenna Police Department. He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers. One of his brothers later joined the Ravenna Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-40875017- Stewardship
- 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.
Patrolman Wert served with the Ravenna Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ravenna 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
James R. Wert served in the U.S. Army (1976â1979) before joining law enforcement.
Patrolman James R. Wert is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 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 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James R. Wert's cause is highlighted.
How James R. Wert Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James R. Wert is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James R. Wert was killed by automobile.
Military Service
James R. Wert served in the U.S. Army (1976–1979) before joining law enforcement.
Visit James R. Wert’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ravenna Police Department are honored on badge.nw.