Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Palermo was shot and killed by a mental patient he was attempting to apprehend. Following the shooting, the suspect was committed at the Lima State Hospital. In August of 1972, he was released to Lorain County authorities to stand trial for Deputy Palermo's murder. On January 2, 1973, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered confined at the Lima State Hospital indefinitely. Deputy Palermo was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Lorain County Sheriff's Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-E5715512- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Palermo gave the Lorain County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Elyria 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
John P. Palermo served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Sheriff John P. Palermo 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 Lorain County Sheriff's Department, 2 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John P. Palermo's cause is highlighted.
How John P. Palermo Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John P. Palermo is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John P. Palermo was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lorain County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
