June 19, 2015

City of Cincinnati Mourns Loss of Police Officer Sonny Kim

27-year Vet Died in Line of Duty in Madisonville

CINCINNATI – The City of Cincinnati is sad to announce the passing of veteran Cincinnati Police Officer Sonny Kim who was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect this morning.

The shooting happened at about 9 a.m. near Whetsel Avenue and Roe Street in Madisonville. Police and probation officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a person with a gun who was acting erratically on Whetsel Avenue. Shortly thereafter multiple shots were fired.

Both Officer Kim and the suspect were shot and transported to University of Cincinnati medical Center. Officer Kim passed away at the hospital. The suspect died at the hospital as well.

Kim was the first Cincinnati officer killed in the line of duty since 2000. It's the first time a Cincinnati officer was killed in a shooting since 1997.

“Today is a tragic day for all Cincinnatians. One of our first responders was shot and killed in the line of duty," Mayor John Cranley said. "We will always remember the sacrifice made by Officer Sonny Kim, and we will pray for his wife and family that they find some comfort during their grief."

Officer Kim is survived by his wife, Jessica; and three teenage sons, Tim, Joshua and Jacob.

A fund has been set up to accept donations for Kim's family at the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union. Donations can be made at any branch or may be mailed to 959 W. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45203.

Chief Jeffrey Blackwell said, "The Cincinnati Police Department family is devastated by the tragic loss of our brother, Officer Sonny Kim. Please keep his family in your prayers as we struggle to overcome our grief.”

“On behalf of the entire City of Cincinnati workforce, we offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Officer Kim," said City Manager Harry Black. "He was a public servant who tragically has paid the ultimate price keeping us safe. We will do everything we can to provide support and prayers to Officer Kim’s family, and the entire Cincinnati Police Department family, during this terrible time."

The incident remains under investigation. Additional information about the tragic incident will be shared as it becomes available.

About Cincinnati Police Officer Sonny Kim

Officer Kim, age 48, Kim grew up in Norwood and Chicago after he immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea in 1973. He moved back to Cincinnati in 1986 to attend classes at the University of Cincinnati.

He was appointed as a Recruit of the Cincinnati Police Department and assigned to the Police Academy in December 1987.

Officer Kim was promoted to the rank of Police Officer in May 1988 after graduating from the Academy. After graduation he was assigned to District 4 and was transferred to District 2 in 1989. He had worked in District 2 for the past 26 years.

Officer Kim received numerous commendations during his exemplary career, most recently receiving the Department Award for Exemplary Conduct Award and the Safe Driving Award in 2013.

 Full List of Commendations:

1989: “Commended for self generated initiative and aggressive patrol techniques.” Lt. Anomann

Oct. 8, 1989: “Commend you for your rapid response and professional action, in which you were able to apprehend a stabbing suspect with weapon in hand.” From William Miller

March 15, 1990: “Commended for dedication and initiative which resulted in not one but 15 aggravated burglary offenses being closed.” Chief Whalen

Feb. 5, 1993: “Thank you very much for your prompt attention regarding the theft of my car.” From William H. Grote

Sept. 6, 1993: “Commended for his dedication to duty and hard work as a member of the CART team.” From Michael C. Snowden, Police Chief

July 13, 1994: “Commended for peacefully negotiating with a man who barricaded himself in building on Montgomery Road.” From Lt. Col. Bruce Knox, Patrol Bureau Commander

Jan. 12,1995: “Thanks for display and dedication, and no sick time in devotion to serving the public.”

June 16, 1995: “Official Commendation and thanks for efforts in fifteen hour search for escaped felons Elam and Michaels on 6/9/95.” From Lt. Colonel Bruce H. Knox

July 10, 1995: “Thanks for courteous and professional assistance locating elderly mother.” From Barbara Homlar (11 Weebetook Lane)

Jan. 10, 1996: “Commendation for unselfish and dedicated service during the January 1996 blizzard.” From Capt. Daniel J. McDonald

Jan. 22, 1996: “Commendations for your dedication and determination to duty which assisted us brining an investigation to a successful conclusion.” From Daniel J. McDonald – D-2 Com.

Nov. 4, 1996: “Thanks for privilege of participating in the Civilian Ride Program.” From Rory d’Eon

Oct. 9, 1996: “Commendations for receiving the Top Gun Award.” From Sgt. Douglas C. Ventre

Aug. 11, 1997: “Chief’s commendation for keen observations and professionalism in taking charge of a potentially fatal/suicidal situation.” From Michael C. Snowden, Police Chief

Oct. 31, 1997: “Commendation for assistance in locating a wanted person who had eluded police officers. The teamwork and diligence are in the highest traditions of the CPD.” From Captain James T. Smith

April 21, 1998: “Thank you for your assistance for finding and returning her item. She is forever grateful.” From Mrs. David W. Ellis

Dec. 19, 2003: “Commended for the entertaining and enjoyable ride along in District 3.” From Laura Chapman (NKU student)

Feb. 24, 2004: “Thanks for your help when my batter died on Eric near District 2.” From Louise Watts

Sept. 12, 2005: “Thanks and commendation for the immediate action and resourcefulness you displayed during the rescue of a man who jumped from I-275 bridge.” From Lt. Colonel Richard L. Janke, Police Chief (Acting)

Sept. 16, 2005: “Thank you for your assistance with evaluating the damage to my car.” From Sheral Foster

Sept. 30, 2005: Commendation from Lt. Col. Janke

May 11, 2012: “Thank you for being a presenter at the Community Relations Service training.” Daedra Anita McGhee

May 15, 2012: “Thank you for your personal and professional insights and perspectives that you offered.” From US Dept of Justice Daedra Anita McGhee

Aug. 25, 2013: Awarded the Safe Driving Award for demonstrating safe driving habits for the previous 36 months by Sgt. Hank Ward

Aug. 25, 2013: Department Award for Exemplary Conduct by Sgt. Hank Ward