Badge:  231
Age: 60
Served: 19¼ years
June 19, 1886 to October 8, 1907

Patrolman Bachmann, on October 8, 1907, responded to West Sixth Street near Park Street for a report of a drunken man who was threatening his wife.  The suspect, a plumber named Garretty, was Patrolman Bachmann’s friend.  However, when Patrolman Bachmann opened the door, he was met with a hail of bullets; one of which tore through his heart and instantly killing him.   

A widower, Patrolman Bachmann left four children, Annie (37), Emma (30), Lena (23), and Clara (21).  He was buried October 11, 1907, at 4 p.m. in Spring Grove Cemetery.  His grandson, Robert P. Ruehlman, would eventually become a judge in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas and still serves.

Following Patrolman Bachmann’s death, agitation arose among the policemen of the Fourth District.  Patrolmen were doubled up until 1923 when that was discontinued due to financial cutbacks.

Garretty was tried and found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years.  He was given time for good behavior and released having served no more than sixteen years. 

If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.