Memorial sign on Ohio Turnpike dedicated in Patrolman’s honor.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission will dedicate a memorial sign on the Ohio Turnpike to Patrolman Jon D. Birchem, who was killed in the line of duty more than 58 years ago. The ceremony was held Thursday.  Relatives of Patrolman Jon D. Birchem were in attendance. Patrolman Birchem was killed after losing control of his vehicle during a pursuit of two speeding vehicles in Wood County. A graduate of the 70th Academy Class, Patrolman Birchem had been with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for less than a year when he died in the line of duty on February 27, 1967. He was assigned to the Swanton Post on the Ohio Turnpike.