(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)

A memorial sign dedication ceremony took place at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Swanton Post to honor Patrolman Jon D. Birchem, who died in the line of duty on February 27, 1967 when he lost control of his vehicle on an icy roadway while pursuing two speeding vehicles.

“This dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the risks our personnel – and every law enforcement officer across the country – face every day,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “It honors Patrolman Birchem’s service and the sacrifice he made while protecting others.”

A sign was installed on the eastbound side of the Ohio Turnpike, near milepost 65, close to where the fatal crash occurred more than 58 years ago. The sign is meant to memorialize the sacrifice Patrolman Birchem made in service to others. He was the first Patrol officer to give his life in the line of duty on the Ohio Turnpike.

“Across the Ohio Turnpike, there are memorial signs erected to honor those who perished or were injured while performing duties to help keep turnpike travelers safe,” said Chief Engineer/Deputy Executive Director Chris Matta, P.E., Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. “Their names should serve as a reminder that it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent tragedies like this one from occurring ever again.”

Family members of Patrolman Birchem attended the ceremony, along with state Representatives Haraz Ghanbari, James Hoops and Erika White. Ghanbari, who also serves on the Turnpike Commission, played a key role in making the dedication possible.

The sign dedication ceremony was part of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission’s Move Over Sign Program, which began in 2017 to honor those who lost their lives or suffered life-long consequences while serving the motoring public.