The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Edward Lentz was appointed to the force on October 16, 1926. During his 31 years as a Cleveland Police officer, in addition to special assignments, Lieutenant Lentz served in the Division of Traffic, the Detective Bureau, and in the Third, Fifth and Sixth Districts.
While in the Traffic Division, Lieutenant Lentz initiated a program which moved Cleveland from 12th to 1st place in traffic safety among cities with a half million or more in population. The program resulted in reduction of auto insurance rates for residents of the city.
On December 9, 1957, while on supervisory patrol duty, Lentz was flagged down by Alonzo Buchanan. Three men invaded Buchanan’s home, stole three guns and $425.00. Lentz drove Buchanan back to the scene, arriving as the burglars car was pulling away. Lentz pulled the car over and radioed dispatch for backup. Car 531 responded to find Lieutenant Lentz mortally wounded, shot by one of the stolen guns. The three suspects were captured.
Lentz was survived by his wife Agnes, whom he met while she was a secretary to the Director of Public Safety in the Division of Police, and three children, Edward, Martin and Mary Agnes. Two of his children are Cleveland police officers and another is a Cleveland Heights police officer.
