END OF WATCH: April 1, 1936
Cleveland Police Department
On April 1, 1936, Officer Joseph Ternansky was found face down in the rear parking lot of 748 Eagle Avenue. Investigation revealed he was shot and killed with a .32 caliber revolver.
Patrolman Ternanski and another off-duty officer had dinner at the above address, after which, Ternanski exited the rear door to his car parked in the back to go home. The second officer left via the front door.
Investigators suspected hoodlums frequenting the area may have been rifling Ternansky’s auto and were surprised by the returning officer and shot him. No one was ever charged with the crime.
Joseph Ternansky’s name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall, Washington, D.C. panel 45, west wall, line 2.
By Norm Drew, Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society
