The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Willard Wolff was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on December 16, 1963 and was assigned to the 3rd and 5th districts. Wolff was well-liked by his colleagues because of his bright personality and good humor.
During the Glenville Shootout on July 23, 1968, black nationalists led by Fred (Ahmed) Evans ambushed police officers, killing three and wounding thirteen in a little over two hours.
Patrolmen Kenneth Gibbons and Willard Wolff, in car 505, were the first to respond to the call for assistance at a gun battle being waged at the intersection of Auburndale and Lakeview. As they left their car to assist a plainclothes officer with a recalcitrant youth, a high-powered bullet hit the motor and the car exploded. Gibbons was shot and seriously injured. Wolff was shot and died of gunshot wounds to the face. He was officially pronounced dead at 11:05 p.m. at Lakeside Hospital.
Patrol Officer Willard Wolff, 30 was survived by his wife Elaine and children, Cheryl, 10, Lori, 7, and Edward, 3. Services were held at the Martens Funeral Home on Dennison Avenue and he was buried in Sunset Memorial Park in Olmsted Falls.
