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Incident
Captain Henry Ritchason was accidentally shot and killed by another officer while he and other law enforcement officers searched a wooded area for a still. One of the other officers was attempting to load a pump shotgun when it discharged, striking Captain Ritchason in the stomach. He was transported to Bethesda Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds three hours later. Captain Ritchason had served with the Zanesville Police Department for 19 years.
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.
Captain Ritchason gave the Zanesville Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Zanesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Ritchason.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Zanesville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Henry is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
Henry is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Henry is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1954, 4 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1954, 69 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 51st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1954, 73 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Henry was 42. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. Henry had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 42. 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. Henry had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 42. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Henry had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 8.8% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Zanesville 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Zanesville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Henry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Zanesville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
