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Warren, OH (AVC News) United States Route 422 in Trumbull County was designated as the “Chief Radio Operator Walter Dawson Memorial Highway” in an Ohio State Highway Patrol ceremony Thursday. Cambridge native Walter Eldon “Pete” Dawson, tragically lost his life in the line of duty May 31st, 1953.
Colonel Charles A. Jones, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent, unveiled the the sign marking the memorial highway with Pete’s son, Walter “Ed” Dawson and daughter, and Karen Losego (Dawson) in the ceremony at the Warren Post. Numerous dignitaries, troopers and family attended the event from as far away as Virginia and New Hampshire. Ohio Senator Sandra O’Brien, who sponsored the bill in the Ohio legislature spoke passionately about the Pete and his story, which she said made him deserving of this honor.
Chief Dawson, a long time Cambridge resident, had recently been promoted and reassigned from the Cambridge District 7 Headquarters to the bustling Cleveland-Youngstown area. It was a busy Memorial Day weekend and Dawson, a father of three with a newborn just two weeks old, was hard at work. On that fateful day, Dawson was repairing a patrol car radio on the berm of U.S. Route 422 when he and a fellow officer observed a speeding vehicle heading westbound. The officers initiated a pursuit, but the chase ended in tragedy near State Route 534. Their cruiser collided with a northbound vehicle that failed to stop for the red light and siren.
The impact of the crash ejected both officers from the vehicle. Dawson was killed, while the trooper driving the cruiser survived. The driver of the vehicle that struck them was uninjured. Dawson’s untimely death left behind his wife and three young children, who had not yet relocated from Cambridge to his new post. Now, 72 years later, Dawson’s memory has been immortalized, ensuring that his dedication and ultimate sacrifice for the people of Ohio will not be forgotten. The memorial designation stands as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and honors the legacy of a man who gave his life in service to his community.
Walter (Pete) a Cambridge, Ohio native, born in1917 to Elza (Coal Miner) and Florence Conner Dawson. Pete as a youngster was a good student and became interested in electronics and amateur radio. Described as a jovial guy and loved to make friends. Dawson was described as never too tired or too busy to help anyone. Pete was hired in 1941 as a Ohio State Highway Patrol Radio Officer. Pete left behind wife Eva, three children and two brothers. Pete’s funeral was held at his home. Many fellow officers and radio people attended. It was a sad day that a man so young with a new family should go so early in life.
Chief Dawson was the second officer to die in less than 4 weeks at the Warren Ohio State Highway Patrol Headquarters in traffic related accidents that year.
A video of the entire ceremony can be viewed here.
This story was written with the help of Chuck Johnston.
Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by AVC News
