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 16 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Kenneth Knepp of the Akron Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 79 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
March 3, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Timothy Jones
Park Forest Police Department, IL
EOW: December 3, 2025
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
United States Department of Defense - Army National Guard - West Virginia Army National Guard, WV
EOW: November 27, 2025
Reserve Deputy Sheriff John C. Stahl, III
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: June 8, 2025
Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow
Indian River County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2025
Police Officer Alec Sanders
Alhambra Police Department, CA
EOW: November 20, 2025
Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall
Virginia Department of Corrections, VA
EOW: November 17, 2025
Police Officer Marc Brock
Vivian Police Department, LA
EOW: November 14, 2025
Corporal Blake Adair Reynolds
Delaware County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: November 12, 2025
Police Officer Roger Smith
WakeMed Campus Police & Public Safety Department, NC
EOW: November 8, 2025

