Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Gerald Bode and Patrolman Virgil Bayne were shot and killed while questioning five suspicious men at a gas station on Buckeye Road. As Patrolman Bayne questioned one of the men outside of the vehicle, the suspect produced a revolver and opened fire. At the same time, the four suspects inside the car began shooting at Patrolman Bode. Both officers were able to return fire but did not strike the suspects. The officers were both shot and taken to St. Luke's Hospital where they were pronounced dead. All five suspects were apprehended. One was sentenced to death and electrocuted. The rest were all convicted and eventually paroled. Patrolman Bode served with the Cleveland Division of Police for over three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, father, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-9D4DC83B- 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.
Patrolman Bode gave the Cleveland Division of Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Bode.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Gerald N. Bode 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. Gerald N. Bode's cause is highlighted.
How Gerald N. Bode Compares
Offender Outcome
One executed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gerald N. Bode is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gerald N. Bode was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
118 officers from Cleveland Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
