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Incident
Detective Charles Hefner was shot and killed when he and another detective responded to a domestic disturbance in which the male subject was armed with a revolver. When the detectives confronted the man, he attempted to shoot the other detective, and a struggle ensued. The man and the officers fell into the kitchen, and the suspect's revolver discharged. The round struck Detective Hefner in the throat. The other detective continued to struggle with the suspect, and the weapon was fired again. The second round struck the suspect and instantly killed him. Detective Hefner was transported to Lima St. Rita's Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries 27 days later. Detective Hefner had served with the Lima Police Department for 9 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and brothers.
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.
Detective Hefner gave the Lima Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lima community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Hefner.
— 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.
Charles is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1951, 2 officers at Lima Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1951, 4 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1951, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1951, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 36. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Lima Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 38 and 42; the middle age was 41. Charles had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Charles was 36. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Charles was 36. 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. Charles had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 20% of these deaths at Lima Police Department; December holds the most, 40%. Tuesdays: 40%.
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Lima Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.6% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Lima Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Charles 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.
