Police Officer John George Hardewig, Jr. P-364
(1940-2024)

John was born June 14, 1940, in Cincinnati, the youngest of six children born to John George and Catherine (Buerger) Hardewig, Sr. He attended Roger Bacon High School and graduated in June1958.

On February 23, 1960, at the age of 19, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed basic training in San Diego and was posted in Artillery in Hawaii for two years. He was then assigned to Camp LeJune in North Carolina and, for six months in Cuba. Corporal Hardewig was honorably discharged January 21, 1964 with a Good Conduct Medal.

John joined the Cincinnati Police Division on June 18, 1967, as a Police Recruit. He was promoted to Patrolman on September 10, 1967, issued Badge 364, and assigned to District 6 (3295 Erie Avenue). At night, he attended Xavier University and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. On June 18, 1972 he was assigned to the Intelligence Section. Two years later, on June 28, 1974, while riding a motorcycle on Reading Road, he lost control, hit a curb, was catapulted into the air, and came to rest with two broken legs, one so badly broken that amputation was initially considered. Over the course of more than a year, it was determined he could not return to work. He was retired with a physical disability on February 1, 1976, with 12 years of service to his country and community and four letters of appreciation and/or commendation.

Officer Hardewig then worked as an accountant for David J. Joseph Company and St. Bernard tax service.

Officer Hardewig died, surrounded by family, on February 28, 2024, at the age of 83.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Jane H. (Pfeiffer) Hardewig; sons, John George (Nancy) Hardewig, III, Greg Hardewig, Gary (Libby) Hardewig, and Adam Hardewig; grandchildren, Amanda, Sammie, Lexie, Alex, Megan, Abby, Brady, Max, Macy, and Kenzie; and sister, Katie Reed.

Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at T. P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Avenue in Mt. Washington. An FOP service will be held at noon, followed by a celebration of life. Interment will follow the service at Guardian Angels Cemetery.

Memorials may be mad to the Stray Animal Adoption Program.

© 2024 – All rights reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum