Patrolman Vinton E. Harsh

Patrolman Vinton E. Harsh

Dayton Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Sunday, October 13, 1918

Add to My Heroes

Vinton E. Harsh

Patrolman Vinton Harsh died as a result of contracting influenza while in the performance of his assigned duties of enforcing health orders and operating ambulances during the Influenza Pandemic in Dayton.

Dayton City Police Officers had been ordered to close saloons that violated health orders, man ambulances, keep crowds from gathering, and remove corpses. More than 700 citizens died from Spanish Influenza between October 1918 and January 1919. As a result of stopping the spread of the flu and maintaining order in the city of Dayton, many members of the Dayton City Police Department became ill with the flu, and six officers died.

Patrolman Harsh served with the Dayton Police Department for less than three years. He was survived by his wife and one child.


Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement

From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Spanish Flu memorial listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 2 years, 7 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Duty related illness
  • Incident Date Wednesday, October 9, 1918

communicable disease, Spanish Influenza

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Patrolman Harsh,
On today, the 106th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Dayton.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 13, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.