Patrolman Stephen M. Kovach, aged 31, was a dedicated officer with the Cleveland Division of Police. On the night of March 11, 1984, he and his partner, Patrolman Dave Rutt, responded to a hit-and-run incident. Unbeknownst to them, the driver they were pursuing had just committed two armed robberies and was driving a stolen car.
As Kovach and Rutt approached the suspect's vehicle, the driver, identified as Charles Jackson Jr., exited the car and opened fire with a .38 caliber handgun.
Rutt was struck in the chest, but managed to return fire, wounding Jackson. As Kovach moved to assist his partner, Jackson continued shooting, hitting Kovach twice in the neck. Despite being fatally wounded, Kovach continued to fire at Jackson, ultimately killing him.
The tragic incident occurred at East 40th and Cedar Streets in Cleveland. Kovach, who had served with the Cleveland Police Department for seven years and had a total of ten years in law enforcement, was survived by his sister, Diane Chilletz. His name is inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
The suspect, Charles Jackson Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. Patrolman Rutt was taken to St. Vincent Charity Hospital in critical condition but eventually recovered. The incident deeply affected the community, with over 1,500 mourners attending Kovach's funeral, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and friends.
Kovach's dedication and sacrifice are remembered and honored by those who knew him and the community he served.
