Ohio police officer suffers medical emergency, dies on duty New Year’s Day

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland police officer died on duty on New Year’s Day, according to Cleveland TV station WJW-8 and our CBS affiliate WOIO-19 TV.

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53-year-old Cleveland police officer Victor Claudio, a 23-year veteran of the force, died in the hospital after an apparent medical emergency Monday morning.

He suffered from an apparent medical emergency at the department’s Fifth District headquarters, both stations reported.

He was transported to University Hospitals and was pronounced dead, WOIO-19 reported.

“My prayers are with Sergeant Victor Claudio, his family, and the members of the Cleveland Division of Police. The entire city thanks him for his service and dedication to protecting the residents of the City of Cleveland for the past 23 years.”

—  Statement from Cleveland Mayor's office Justin Bibb

WJW-8 was told the officer served in the Cleveland Police Department for a long time.

“All members of the City Council are saddened to hear of the passing of an officer in the Fifth District. One of Cleveland’s finest. We pray for him and his family.”

—  Cleveland City Council Public Safety Chairman Michael Polensek

In 2014, Claudio received the Distinguished Service Medal after helping save a man’s life on Jan. 29, 2014. In August of 2023, he received a Commander Commendation medal, WJW reported.

“Council wants to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Fifth District police officer who died while on duty this morning. We lost one of Cleveland’s finest. We ask all Clevelanders to keep him and his family in your thoughts. His name will be released later.”

—  Statement from Cleveland City Council

Claudio’s cause of death has not been released at this time.

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