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Incident
Chief Ash was struck and killed by a vehicle while setting up a roadblock at 0515 hours. A burglary suspect, who had been chased into Iowa by Minnesota authorities, attempted to run the roadblock and crashed into Chief Ash's patrol car, killing him instantly.
The 20-year-old suspect was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 5 years in Anamosa Prison January 25, 1982.
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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.
Chief of Police Ash served with the Swea City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Swea City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Ash.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ralph is the only officer of Swea City Police Department remembered here.
Ralph is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ralph 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 1981, 3 officers in IA were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ralph was 37. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
Ralph 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.
Ralph was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 7.8% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Saturdays: 22.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Swea City Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.9% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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