George Eickmeyer remembered by first endowment award

The first grant from a recently established fund falling under the auspices of the Tipp City Foundation has been awarded to the Tipp City Police Department (TCPD) as a way to help augment the department’s existing resources.

The grant’s intended purpose will be to help defray the purchase cost of high-quality medical tourniquets for use by the department under critical circumstances.

“We were honored to learn that the Trauma Response Initiative Project (TRIP) was selected as the first grant award from the Eickmeyer Family Fund,” said TCPD Deputy Chief Jack Davis. “It’s meaningful because it reflects community trust and a shared commitment to supporting the people who serve Tipp City every day. Being chosen as the inaugural recipient is especially significant because it highlights a shared commitment to supporting public safety in ways that extend beyond traditional equipment and operations.”

He added, “We’re honored to be part of establishing what we hope will become a lasting partnership that benefits both our department and the Tipp City community.”

Stemming from a tragic event in which their great-grandfather was killed in the line of duty, the Eickmeyer Family Fund was launched in 2024 by three first cousins whose roots run deep in Tipp City/Monroe Township – Kathy Stafford, Becky Birtle and Rachel Birtle Webb – with the specific purpose of supporting the TCPD.

TCPD Patrolman George Bernard Eickmeyer was out making his rounds in mid-September 1945 when his patrol car stalled on the German Street B&O Railroad tracks shortly before midnight. Unable to wrest his vehicle from the tracks, he was broadsided by a northbound train and subsequently lost his life.

The family’s sense of loss and pride are interlaced together through the creation of the endowment fund housed under the Foundation’s umbrella that honors not only their fallen great-grandfather and his legacy, but also those serving with the TCPD. Ultimately, the goal is to provide funding for current department needs that may not be covered by other funding sources in addition to a remembrance of the life and sacrifice of their late ancestor.

“We had been discussing for some time creating an endowment to honor our family name of Eickmeyer,” Stafford said. “The Eickmeyers immigrated to Tipp City from Germany in the 1850s, and we are proud of the fact our family has been part of the community ever since.  Because of our great-grandfather's connection with the TCPD, we felt it was a natural fit to choose them as the recipient of our family’s fund. We were all born and raised in this community and believe giving where you live is a responsibility and a privilege.” 

A retired farmer, Patrolman Eickmeyer was a five-year veteran of the police force before meeting his untimely demise. He’d stepped up to fill the role of officer, historical documents indicate, because a lack of young men in the community due to their service during World War II necessitated that he do so.

Davis explained TRIP was created to ensure officers are equipped with tourniquets and prepared to provide immediate lifesaving care during emergency situations. Often among the first to arrive at serious incidents, and in cases involving traumatic injuries, the first few minutes for officers can make a critical difference.

“We identified this need through ongoing evaluation of our emergency response capabilities and recognizing the growing role officers play in providing immediate care before fire and EMS personnel arrive,” said Davis. “This project is about giving our officers another tool on their duty to protect and preserve life in our community.”

With little daylight between the trio’s vision, the purpose of the family fund is to help ensure public safety by looking to the well-being and safety of those who serve the community.

“If we can provide items/services that make our officer’s lives easier and safer, then we will feel our goals have been achieved,” Birtle said.

Davis doesn’t characterize the fund as a “safety net” for the department, but instead, views it as an opportunity to help pursue projects that improve wellness, training, innovation and long-term effectiveness. He furthered that grant funding is one of the many tools that allows his department to enhance services while remaining mindful of taxpayer resources.

“I believe it’s important to responsibly pursue opportunities that bring added value to our department and community,” he said. “Our approach will always be purposeful, seeking funding for projects that produce meaningful outcomes for our officers and the residents we serve.”

The cousins, who still reside in the Tipp City area, said they were delighted to learn of the granting of the first award and look forward to the Foundation bestowing many more from the family fund in the future.

“We think the Tipp City Police Department is an amazing organization and doing a tremendous job,” said Birtle Webb. “It is our pleasure to support them.” 

A plaque honoring Officer Eickmeyer hangs in the department’s office today, serving as a daily reminder of his service, sacrifice, and enduring connection to the Tipp City Police Department.  

“I’d like to express my sincere appreciation to the Eickmeyer Family for their generosity and belief in our department,” said Davis. “Community support plays an important role in helping law enforcement agencies adapt to the evolving needs of the profession and continue providing the highest level of service to our residents.

“This grant is especially meaningful because of the legacy of Officer George Eickmeyer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His service and dedication to protecting this community continue to be remembered and honored. Receiving support through a fund established in his name carries special significance for our department.”