John R. Ogden
Rank: Patrolman
End of Watch: July 25, 1911
Tour of Duty: 18 Years
Assignment: Precinct 11
Age: 44
Patrolman John R. Ogden was electrocuted by a electrical line. During the evening of July 25, 1911 Ptl. John Ogden of the Broadway Station was on routine patrol on his foot post. At the corner of Walden Avenue and May Street Ptl. Ogden came upon an electrical wire that was lying on the ground. Fearing for the safety of the nearby residents (especially the children) Ptl. Ogden decided the line should be wrapped around the base of a nearby street lamp. As the streetlights were not lighted the officer assumed that it was safe to move the wire. Unfortunately, at the exact time that Ptl. Ogden picked up the electrical line as power was restored in an attempt to test the line. A full 8,000 volts were sent to the line as the patrolman held it in his hands. The full force of the electricity passed through the officer. Ptl. John Ogden was killed instantly. Ptl. Ogden was survived by his wife Erma and their three children. The Ogden's had made their home at 22 Moeller on the city's East Side.