The Cleveland Police Museum honors our fallen officers by telling their stories on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Desmond Sherry joined the Cleveland Police Department on February 20, 1973. He spent much of his career at the 6th District and moved to the vice squad in 1978. He and his partner, Philip Smith were awarded the Medal of Valor from the Rotary Club for rescuing a motorist from a burning car.
On July 3, 1980, at 2:15 am, Detective Sherry observed an elderly man being beaten and robbed while passing through the area of East 66th and Euclid on his way home after a tour of duty at the Sixth District. Officer Sherry did what every good policeman does and stopped to investigate. Four juveniles quickly approached Sherry’s car. One of the juveniles pulled a .32 caliber handgun and shot Sherry fatally in the face, then took his badge case.
After a long, complicated investigation, two juveniles were brought to trial and convicted of the brutal murder and robbery of Desmond Sherry.
Sherry was survived by his wife Connie and his two children Michael (6) and Theresa (3). Following a service at St. Clare Church, Sherry was interred at All Souls Cemetery.