Age:  40
Served: 9¾ years
December 31, 1913 to August 11, 1923

During the morning of August 11, 1923, there were only five patrolmen on duty in an area that had previously been patrolled by sixteen.  At 3 a.m., Patrolman Klump, of 3156 Bishop Street, told 24-year-old John L. Hunter, of 413 Central Avenue, and his associates that they would have to get off the street and quit disturbing the peace at 704 West Fifth Street.  Hunter pulled a handgun and shot Patrolman Klump six times. 

Patrolman Klump was rushed to General Hospital, but pronounced dead there from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body.   He became the sixth patrolman from the Fourth District to be killed in the line of duty.  The district became known as “Death Valley” to Police Division officers. 

Patrolman Klump left a wife and three small children, Lawrence, Lillian, and another.  His services were at St. George's Church on Calhoun Street and he was buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery on August 14, 1923.  He made little more than $100 a month as an officer.

After his capture, Hunter admitted to firing more than one shot, but did not remember how many.  In his confession he stated, "Ain’t any cop kin put me to bed."  Hunter was convicted and sentenced to life.  Almost immediately upon arrival at the Ohio Penitentiary he showed symptoms of tuberculosis.  He died there on August 7, 1924, less than a year after murdering Patrolman Klump.  His body was given to the Ohio Medical College.

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