Prev
Incident
Police Officer John Bechtol was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an emergency call involving a mental subject when his patrol car was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Delhi Pike and Pedretti Avenue. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to 6 months in jail and 3 years probation. Officer Bechtol had served with the Delhi Township Police Department for only 2 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, 4-year-old stepson, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtqhm01zxp5jdzs133045- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Bechtol served with the Delhi Township Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cincinnati community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Bechtol.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Delhi Township Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 2 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 53rd heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1978, 78 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1978, 101 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 18th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 23. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 23. 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. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 23. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.2% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Delhi Township Police Department.
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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Delhi Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.