The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversaries of their End of Watch.
Joseph Ternansky was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on June 26, 1926 and assigned to the 3rd District.
On April 1, 1936, Officer Joseph Ternansky was found face down in the rear parking lot of 748 Eagle Avenue. Investigation revealed he was shot and killed with a .32 caliber revolver. Patrolman Ternansky and another off-duty officer had dinner at the above address, after which, Ternansky exited the rear door to his car parked in the back to go home. The second officer left via the front door.
Investigators suspected hoodlums frequenting the area may have been rifling Ternansky’s auto and were surprised by the returning officer and shot him. No one was ever charged with the crime.
Services were held at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church with internment at Calvary Cemetery. Officer Ternansky was survived by his parents Joseph and Mary Ternansky, three sisters and two brothers.
