END OF WATCH: March 15, 1989
Solon Police Department
Age: 36
Jeffrey B. Olson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 31, 1952. He lived in Wadsworth, Ohio, for many years and was a 1970 graduate of Wadsworth High School, where he was a member of the varsity baseball team. He graduated from Kent State University in 1975 with a degree in Law Enforcement Administration.
During 1976 and 1977, he was employed by the Northfield, Ohio Police Department and the University of Texas Police Department in Houston, Texas. On February 12, 1979, Patrolman Olson was appointed to the Solon police department. During his employment with the Solon police department, he received the Exceptional Service Award and the Injury on Duty award, qualified as a Revolver Master, earned a five year Safe Driving Award, and served as a Field Training Officer.
On March 15, 1989, Olson was involved in a fatal traffic crash with a second Solon Police Department cruiser while both officers were attempting to pursue a traffic violator on State Route 43 in Solon.
Jeff Olson was survived by his wife Janet, daughter Jenna, son Steven, parents Mr. and Mrs. Glen Olson, sister Beverly Brask, brother Eric Scott, grandmother Mrs. Milton Olson and parents-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Gloyd Tubbs of Munroe Falls.
Jeffrey Olson’s name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, Washington, D.C. panel 53, west wall, line 17.
By: Diane Motyk, Solon Police Department
