Akron Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Friday, March 3, 1933
Add to My HeroesKenneth Knepp
Officer Kenneth Knepp was killed in a motorcycle crash on North Howard and Frederick Streets in Akron.
He was on a detail to the highway patrol when a truck turned in front of him. Officer Knepp was unable to stop and collided with the back of the truck. Other officers were following behind him and were able to pull him out of the burning wreckage. He succumbed to his injuries as soon as he arrived at St. Thomas Hospital.
The driver admitted to having a drink before driving home. He was charged with manslaughter, but was acquitted.
Officer Knepp had served with the Akron Police Department for almost eight years. He was survived by his wife, son, parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 7 years, 9 months
- Badge 154
Incident Details
- Cause Motorcycle crash
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! Please join me and honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Kenneth Knepp of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 80 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
March 3, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024