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Incident
Patrolman Walter Commins was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked in front of the house at 123 Elm Avenue in Wyoming, Ohio. Shortly after 9:00 p.m., Patrolman Commins was patrolling the area on Elm Avenue when he noticed a suspicious vehicle in front of a residence and a man lurking near the door. When he approached the car, the subject honked the horn and the other man ran to the car and pointed his pistol at Patrolman Commins. Patrolman Commins attempted to gain control of the gun, but the man fired, striking him in the groin and chest. Patrolman Commins returned fire at the fleeing vehicle. He was transported to General Hospital where was pronounced dead. The subjects were never apprehended. Patrolman Commins had served with the Wyoming Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Commins gave the Wyoming Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wyoming community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Commins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wyoming Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 4 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 41. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Walter was 41. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Wyoming Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Wyoming Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Wyoming Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
