Roll of Honor
Norman C. Reker
Incident
Patrolman Norman Reker was shot and killed as he and his partner responded to a robbery in progress on Colchester Road. The suspect opened fire and struck Patrolman Reker in the stomach. Both officers were able to return fire and shot the robber. Patrolman Reker was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later. The subject was sentenced to death in the electric chair and executed on June 23rd, 1949. Patrolman Reker was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-251B62EF- 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 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 Reker served with the Cleveland Heights Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland 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
Norman C. Reker served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Norman C. Reker 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 Heights Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Norman C. Reker's cause is highlighted.
How Norman C. Reker Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1949
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Norman C. Reker is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Norman C. Reker was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Cleveland Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
