Specialist William Walter Bihr, Jr. PS-12
(1928-2025)

 

 

Bill was born June 21, 1928 to William Walter and Louella H. (Owens) Bihr, Sr. He attended Central High School and graduated in June 1945.

Bill joined the United States Army Air Corps in June 1946 and served in the Signal Corps. He served in Camp Stoneman, California and then shipped off to Guam. Four months later, he was assigned to Japan. Sergeant Bihr was honorably discharged on August 8, 1951 with a Unit Citation.

Bill joined the Cincinnati Police Division in its 25th Recruit Class on April 12, 1953. On June 15, 1953 he was transferred to District 4 (754 W. 5th Street). He was promoted to Patrolman and issued Badge 12. Patrolman Bihr was rotated to District 7 (813 Beecher Street) on June 20, 1954. He was assigned to the Vice Squad on October 11, 1955. On April 15, 1962, he transferred back to District 7. On February 27, 1966, he was one of the first group of men promoted to Police Specialist, a rank which replaced Detective, and issued Badge PS-12. Specialist Bihr transferred to District 5 (1012 Ludlow Avenue) on October 30, 1966. He was assigned to the Robbery Squad of the Criminal Investigation Section on February 7, 1971. His commander, Captain Don Slaughter, remembered him as “a dogged and expert investigator.” Specialist Bihr retired on June 23, 1980 with 32 years of service to his country and community and 29 letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including ten from police chiefs.

In 1980, he was appointed Chief of Security at the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, a police chief by Ohio statute definition. He resigned in 1991 after another 11 years of service to southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky. He moved to Russell Springs, Kentucky.

Specialist Bihr died on July 30, 2025, at the age of 97. Until then, he was the second oldest living Police Specialist, third oldest retiree, and 4th most senior employee having been appointed in 1953.

He was predeceased by his wife of 19 years, Irma I. (Ferdon) Bihr (1996); son, Michael Bihr, and several brothers and sisters. Specialist Bihr is survived by his wife, Leontine (Grider) Bihr; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Bihr; granddaughter, Dylia Bihr; and caregiver, Judy Bell.

In accordance with Special Bihr’s wishes, he was cremated, no services will be held, and inurnment will take place at Mill Springs National Cemetery, in Nancy, Kentucky.

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