Patrolman John A. Franken, Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman John A. Franken

Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, July 7, 1927

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John A. Franken

Patrolman John Franken succumbed to gunshot wounds he received three days earlier when he and another officer responded to a report of a man shooting two other men and a woman on Kenyon Avenue.

The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to death for Patrolman Franken's memorial. He was executed in the electric chair at the Ohio State Penitentiary on November 30, 1928.

Patrolman Franken had been with the Cincinnati Police Department for nearly 20 years. He was survived by his father and sister.

He was buried at Saint Joseph Old Cemetery.

Kenyon Avenue was demolished for Interstate 71 and Interstate 75 Interchange.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 19 years, 6 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, July 4, 1927
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Executed in 1928

shooting call

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman John A. Franken of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 75 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 7, 2025