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Incident
Patrolman Phillip Droesch was shot and killed following the robbery of a pawn shop. The subject had exchanged shots with officers following the robbery but was able to escape. Patrolman Droesch was off duty but had been called in to help search for the suspect. He observed a man near Jackson Street and High Street who appeared to be staggering. Thinking the man was intoxicated and injured, Patrolman Droesch approached him to give him assistance. The subject suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Patrolman Droesch. The officer was transported to Lima City Hospital, where he died early the next morning. The 27-year-old suspect was apprehended and convicted of murdering Patrolman Droesch. He was committed to the Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane. He escaped on September 4, 1928, and again on January 7, 1945.
Survivors
Patrolman Droesch was survived by his wife and four children.
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 Droesch served with the Lima Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lima community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Droesch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lima Police Department has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Phillip is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Phillip is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Phillip is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 1 officer at Lima Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1951, with 2.
In 1918, 15 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Phillip was 38. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Lima Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 42; the middle age was 41.
Phillip was 38. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
Phillip was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Phillip was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 20% of these deaths at Lima Police Department; December holds the most, 40%. Fridays: 20%.
October holds 8.4% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 13.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Lima Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 60% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lima Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Phillip among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lima Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
