Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Please join me and honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 6, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 54 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 6, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 50 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 6, 2022

Cincinnati honors 2 fallen officers with memorial street renaming

Posted on Jun. 25, 2021 FOX 19 NEWS

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - City and police officials are honoring the lives of two Cincinnati police officers gunned down in the line of duty 42 years ago.

A memorial street renaming ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday for Officers Dennis Bennington and Robert Seiffert.

It will take place on the corner of Oak and May streets in Walnut Hills, where a new street sign will be unveiled, Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman’s office announced Thursday.

The vice mayor will attend with Police Chief Eliot Isaac and Greater Cincinnati Police Museum Director Bill Beuke.

They will be joined by family and friends of the officers.

Officers Bennington, 27, and Seiffert, 31, both served the Cincinnati Police Department for over eight years.

They made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve the city during a March 6, 1979, traffic stop as they tried to apprehend a street robbery suspect on Oak Street near May Street, according to an account of the incident on the museum’s website.

Officers Bennington and Seiffert were members of CPD’s Robbery Task Force. In December 1978, they sought a street robbery suspect named Gregory Daniels, who had been arrested on a multitude of prior felony offenses.

Daniels, however, eluded authorities - but both officers never forgot, the museum’s website says.

Months later, on March 6, 1979, at 1 a.m., Officer Seiffert saw a car driven by a man he believed was Daniels. On a car-to-car radio channel, he contacted Officer Bennington, according to the museum:

Seiffert: Do you know this guy on sight?

Bennington: Yeah.

Seiffert: I’m going to stop him at Oak and May Streets.

Bennington: Okay, I’ll be there in a second.

Police surmise that Officer Seiffert pulled Daniels, over on westbound Oak Street west of May Street. Both Daniels and Officer Seiffert got out of their vehicles and Officer Seiffert asked for his identification.

Daniels said it was in the car and reached into it just as Officer Bennington arrived eastbound on Oak Street, stopped directly across the street from the car, and got out of his car shortly after 1 a.m.

The suspect shot Officer Bennington in the chest and then fired over his shoulder at Officer Seiffert, who dove behind Daniels’ car to try to get out of the way but was still struck in the head. Officer Seiffert’s head also hit the curb, breaking his neck.

Though mortally wounded, Officer Bennington got up and drew his revolver, but Daniels shot him again, this time in the shoulder.

As Daniels pulled away, Officer Bennington fired several shots, striking Daniels in the head and killing him instantly.

With Daniels’ lifeless foot on the accelerator, the car sped into a steel utility pole near Reading Road.

A passenger, Sharon Johnson, was pinned in the car and suffered wrist and hand injuries and a slight wound to her head from a bullet fragment.

Earlier this year, State Rep. Cindy Abrams announced House Bill 180 would rename a stretch of Interstate 71 in downtown Cincinnati the “Officers Dennis Bennington and Robert Seiffert Memorial Highway.”

Officer Bennington’s daughter, Tina Bennington Sansone, reached out to Abrams with the idea for a memorial highway.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

June 25, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

March 6, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 49 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 6, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 48 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 6, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Bennington.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 13, 2019

Officer Bennington,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cincinnati. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

March 6, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 48 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 6, 2019

So Denny I am somewhat overwhelmed today I as watch the coverage of yet another officer from the Cincinnati area, although his death was from different circumstances than yours it is no less painful. I was 15 when you were killed along side your fellow officer on that faithful night when you thought you were doing no more than maybe at best serving a warrant but he had other plans for both of you... No not the bastard that shot & killed both of you but God! He had other plans for you both, he also gave you the strength & tenacity to kill the bastard that night to send him to hell where he couldn't hurt anyone else.
You were my family Denny & we have all missed you severely over the years your picture sits in my living room it is the only one there and although I was young only 15 when you passed the impact it has left on my life is tremendous . I see Tim here and there but don't worry my brothers look out for him. I haven't seen Tina in a long long time but I am going to try to reach out to her. We miss you cuz & today is just harder .

Mary
Cousin

January 12, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Dennis E. Bennington of the Cincinnati Police Department, Ohio and the additional 46 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 6, 2018

Denny, I remember that night so well. You, Bobby and I were working the 8-4 shift in D-4. We were drinking coffe when a run came out in the north part of the District. I took the run. On my way back, I heard the call "officers down" and responded. I was there with you at the end. I love you guys & will always remember the great working relationship we had on that shift.
May you and Bobby rest in peace. Will see you again!

B. George
CPD 1974 - 1984

June 20, 2015

I just would like to say I never got the chance to meet my uncle Dennis bennington but I know he died because he was protecting and serving his community and I would like to say rip and we all will always forever Love and miss u and always honor your loving memory

linda godfrey
nease to dennis bennington

March 6, 2015

It has been a long 36 years without my father, my heroe. I miss him everyday. I miss the camping, the grill outs and him just holding me. He hasn't been here to see me graduate, get married, battle cancer or to hold my children... That is what was taken from me, all those moments. Love you Dad.

Tina Bennington sansone
Daughter

March 6, 2015

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39h anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 6, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Bennigton.

Sgt. Jarrod Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

March 6, 2012

Officer Bennington,
On today, the 33rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cincinatti. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 6, 2012

Dennis, you and I started our policing careers close to the same time in Cincinnati. We worked together and I know that you were one of the best humored, most decent, kindest, funniest, loving characters I've ever known in my life. I will never forget you. I will never forget you. I will never forget you. In your death, and in your conduct on duty, you gave honor to all of those who have served as Police Officers. I will never forget you.

Capt. Joe Koch
Cincinnati PD

May 28, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 30th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

March 6, 2009

Officer Bennington your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 5, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 31, 2007

I remember playing baseball in your back yard as a child. I remember you watching me play ball at Turkeyridge too. I also remember the night my Dad woke me up and told me what happened to you. Although I was only ten years old, I understood the lost, the tragdey of the situation. You were, and are, an inspiration to all who wear a uniform, as well as those who do not. I have thought of you many times over the years and I'm proud to be able to say I'm a better man having known you. Semper Fidelis, Dennis.

First Sergeant of Marines
First Sergeant Ronald F. Geisler Jr
Physical Security Detachment
Antit-Terrorism Battalion
2nd Marine Division

1stSgt Ronald F Geisler Jr. USMC
Friend of the family

October 4, 2006

I met your son after you passed .We were just kids .I still remember him asking a officer we met if they new his dad.He was a great kid.I know he loved you and was proud of you.God bless you and your family for your sacrifice.

Citizen

May 9, 2006