Age 51
Served: 21 years
May 23, 1968 to June 1, 1989

During mid-May 1989, rains caused the Great Miami River to rise to 23 feet.  On May 26, 1989, a temporary bridge across the river at Miamitown on Harrison Avenue (U.S. 52) collapsed, taking with it two occupied vehicles.  For several days, Hamilton County Sheriff Deputies and Hamilton County Police Association Underwater Search and Recovery, during hot weather, conducted an intense search.  On June 1, 1989, at 3:30 p.m., while observing operations, Sergeant Mondary suffered a heart attack.  Emergency medical personnel carried him to the Miamitown firehouse on State Route 128 and called for AirCare to respond.  Sergeant Mondary died before the helicopter arrived.  He was pronounced dead at 4:43 p.m. by Dr. Cunningham at University Hospital.  

Sergeant Mondary’s wife, Ruby Ann, preceded him in death seven years prior.  He was survived by his five children; Joy (30), Julie (22), Robert, Jr. (19), Lawrence (17), and Jonathon (13); his father, Lawrence; his brother, John; and one grandchild.  His funeral was held at St. Theresa of Avila Church on June 5, 1989 and he was buried in St. Joseph New Cemetery.

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