Trumbull County, Ohio (AVC News) – A section of U.S. Route 422 in Trumbull County will soon bear a name of great significance, honoring Ohio State Highway Patrol Chief Radio Operator Walter “Pete” Dawson, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty over seven decades ago. The highway dedication, set to take place in April, serves as a tribute to Dawson’s service and sacrifice.
Walter “Pete” Dawson was a dedicated radio officer with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In 1953, he 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, nearly 72 years later, Dawson’s memory will be immortalized with the naming of a stretch of U.S. Route 422 in April as the “Chief Radio Operator Walter Dawson Memorial Highway.” This recognition ensures that his dedication and ultimate sacrifice 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.
Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by AVC News
