Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Raymond Griffin was killed during a robbery attempt. A lady overheard the robbery and gunshots and called the police after she observed Patrolman Griffin lying on the ground. He was still alive when other officers arrived, despite being shot five times. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The shooter was sentenced to prison in 1946 after pleading guilty to several robberies. Patrolman Griffin was often detailed to drive for Mayor Harold H. Burton and Safety Director Eliot Ness. Eight weeks earlier, he shot and killed an armed robber in front of the Public Music Hall. Patrolman Griffin had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for three years. He was survived by his wife of thirteen months, brother, and sister. He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife of thirteen months, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-E8243083- 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 Griffin gave the Cleveland Division of Police 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Griffin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Raymond H. Griffin 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. Raymond H. Griffin's cause is highlighted.
How Raymond H. Griffin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Raymond H. Griffin is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Raymond H. Griffin was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
118 officers from Cleveland Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
