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Incident
Patrolman Edward Piller was killed in a motorcycle accident while test-driving one of the department's motorcycles on Ohio State 14 outside of Salem.
The motorcycle had been out of service since the previous fall when a new motorcycle had been purchased. The motorcycle had been serviced, and Patrolman Piller was testing it behind city hall with the police chief and mayor watching. The mayor requested to ride on the rear of the motorcycle, and the request was approved by the chief.
As Patrolman Piller drove the mayor down the street, the motorcycle struck a rut in the roadway and threw both men to the ground. Patrolman Piller suffered a skull fracture and died as a result. The mayor recovered from his injuries.
Patrolman Piller had served with the Salem Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, sister, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnsyqxmgphwth55ef6pp- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Piller gave the Salem Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Piller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Salem Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Edward is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
Edward is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1936, 7 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1936, 88 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 16th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1936, 97 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Edward was 38. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. Edward had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 38. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Edward had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 38. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Edward had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.5% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Salem Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Salem Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Salem Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
