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Incident
Police Specialist David Massel was killed when his patrol car was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Ohio Route 4 (Springfield Pike) at 12:30 a.m. The driver was speeding, crossed the center lines, and collided with the patrol car. Witnesses pulled Specialist Massel out of the burning vehicle. The intoxicated driver was also killed in the collision. Specialist Massel had served with the Woodlawn Police Department for seven years and founded the Woodlawn Crime Prevention Program.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother.
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.
Police Specialist Massel gave the Woodlawn Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cincinnati community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Specialist Massel.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Woodlawn Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1985, 1 officer in OH was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1985, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1985, 125 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 37. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
David was 37. 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. David had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.6% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Saturdays: 17%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Woodlawn Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, 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 automobile, in 6.3% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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