Night Policeman Otto John Glissman | Greendale Police Department

 

Age:  56
Served:  10 months
February 1942 to December 19, 1942

 

 

OFFICER

John was born in 1886.  He worked at the Lawrenceburg Roller Mill until it was destroyed by fire.  During February 1942, he was appointed Night Policeman for Greendale.

 

INCIDENT

On December 19, 1942, at 2:30 a.m., Night Policeman Glissman attempted to flag down a driver on Ridge Avenue to warn him that one of his headlights was not working.  The car was occupied by a 19-year-old driver, Donald Hollowell, and six companions.  Hollowell had been drinking and drove into the officer.  Night Policeman Glissman flew over the hood of Hollowell’s vehicle and he fractured his skull on the windshield instantly causing his death.

 

FUNERAL

Night Policeman Glissman was survived by his wife, Gertrude Vanosdol Glissman (44), a daughter, Betty (11), father, John, two brothers, Harry and Max, and six sisters, Mrs. Rosa Corbin, Mrs. Rachel Hoover, Mrs. Clara Morling, Mrs. Frances Meister, and Mrs. Nina Brown.  He was buried in Greendale Cemetery.

Gertrude joined him 36 years later in 1978.

 

JUSTICE

Donald Hollowell was charged with manslaughter, but acquitted by a jury.  He died of natural causes in 1986.

 

If you know of information, artifacts, archives, or images regarding this officer or incident, please contact the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum at Memorial@Police-Museum.org

 

_{© This narrative was further researched and revised May 11, 2012 by Cincinnati Police Lieutenant Stephen R. Kramer (Retired), Greater Cincinnati Police Museum Director, with research assistance from Chris McHenry, librarian of Greendale, Indiana.  All rights are reserved to them and the Greater}