In the aftermath of the shooting December 20 of Ohio Division of Wildlife agent Kevin Behr fragmentary bits and pieces of information have surfaced.
However, none have actually been verified by the Clinton County (Ohio) Sheriffs Office, which is the lead agency in the investigation. Until they are these expressions must be considered speculation.
Behr remains hospitalized in Cincinnati. Individuals desiring the send a get well card to him and comments of support for his family can be sent to the Wildlife Division’s District 5 (D-5) Office at: 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia OH 45385.
Behr’s Wildlife Division’s comrades have developed a funding program to help Behr’s family with associated costs.
Donations may be made at any 5/3 Bank: Kevin J Behr Benefit Account, Routing #042202196 Account #xxxxxx2403.
Or by check, payable to: Ohio Wildlife Officer Lodge 143, denoting Kevin Behr in the memo and mailed to: Tim Rourke P.O. Box 4333, Sidney, Ohio 45365
The solicitation for assistance comes from the The State of Ohio Unit 2 Association, which is comprised of 5 Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) lodges.
On its web site the Unit 2 Association says this of Behr and the incident:
“Kevin Behr started his career with the Ohio Division of Wildlife as a Wildlife Area Technician in 1993. He became a Wildlife Officer assigned to Warren County in 1996 and shortly after transferred to Adams County.
“After a few years, he was promoted to Wildlife Investigator covering southwest Ohio.
“Wildlife Investigator Kevin Behr was injured December 20, 2020 after being shot by a suspect while on assignment in Clinton County, Ohio. He is in serious, but stable condition in the ICU and has already undergone multiple surgeries.
“Our thoughts are with him, his wife Kathy, and his three children. We are hopeful for a swift and complete recovery.
“The road will be long though. Ohio Wildlife Lodge 143 has organized a fundraiser for Kevin and his family to assist them during the challenging times ahead. Please help us reach and exceed our goal.
“The Behr family is extremely thankful for everyone that has reached out and they continue to ask for your prayers.
“Special thanks to Cincinnati FOP and The Shield for their immediate assistance.”
The official Clinton County Sheriffs Office release on the subject begins with:
“On December 20, 2020 approximately 4:00 pm the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Communication Center advising that a Wildlife Officer had been shot and needed assistance.
“Wildlife Officer’s and Natural Resource Officer’s working in the area responded for assistance as well as Officers from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
“Wildlife Officers were investigating a deer poaching complaint in the area Macedonia Road and Martinsville Road when the shooting occurred. Wildlife Investigator Kevin Behr, a 25- year veteran of the Division, sustained a gunshot wound during this investigation.
“Three suspects were taken into custody shortly after the incident...”
By Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrischk4@gmail.com
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