On April 3rd, 1972, Kettering Police Patrolman Paul J. Metzger was responding to a call for assistance when he suffered critical injuries in a vehicle collision.

He was driving westbound on a major thoroughfare in an intense storm, en route to assist a department store security guard who was having trouble holding a suspected shoplifter. But due to the heavily rainswept road conditions, his cruiser started to hydroplane, and then slid into the eastbound lanes. That’s when it was broadsided on its passenger side by an oncoming car, and Patrolman Metzger was thrown from the cruiser into the front yard of a nearby residence.

Paul died of his injuries at the scene. The other car’s driver was injured but survived.

Patrolman Metzger was 28 years old at the time of his death, and had served with the Kettering Police Department for nearly three years. He was survived by his mother and father.

Paul was a decorated U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran. He was known for being conscientious and hard working, and was well liked by his fellow officers. Prior to joining the force he had worked for the Republic Steel Corporation.