Robert W. Traver, Former Chief of Police

Robert W. Traver died at the age of 57, but he lived a long life, filled with service to his country and local community. A lifelong resident of Sandusky, he joined the Sandusky Police Department in 1937, serving with the department for thirty years. He was promoted to sergeant on January 16, 1946 and  captain in 1952. On October 17, 1962 he was appointed Chief of Police, and served in that position until his retirement in 1967. 

In addition to his police career, Mr. Traver had substantial military service. He was in U.S. Army intelligence, taking leave from the Sandusky Police Department during World War II and the Korean War. 

In 1971, Mr. Traver was elected to the Sandusky City Commission. At the time of his death on December 20, 1972, he was Ex-Officio Mayor of Sandusky. Additionally, Mr. Traver had served on the board of directors of Providence Hospital, and was a member of the Amvets and the Fraternal Order of Police. For a time, he also was vice president in charge of personnel at Mr. Wiggs department store. 

Robert W. Traver was survived by his wife, the former Louise McGeachie, four sisters, two brothers, and a niece. Funeral services for Mr. Traver were held at the Frey Funeral Home, and burial was at Oakland Cemetery. A lengthy article in the December 21, 1972 issue of the Sandusky Register highlighted his distinguished career, and included several tributes from his colleagues.

The Army dress uniform once worn by Robert W. Traver is now in the collections of the Follett House Museum.

Sandusky Police Department Vehicles from the 1920s and 1930s

Officer Chris Sehlmeyer of the Sandusky Police Department is pictured above at the seat of a new police emergency vehicle. It appears that the car is on an assembly line or testing facility. (We don't know the details.) Note the spare tire, located right on the outside of the car door. 

In 1931, Chris stood in front of another new police vehicle.

   

Christian J. Sehlmeyer held many positions with the Sandusky Police Department, where he worked from the 1920s through 1944. He was a traffic officer, detective, and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He died on May 22, 1971, and he was survived by his wife, three sons, and five grandchildren. Below is a group photograph of members of the Sandusky Police Department in 1937. Sergeant Sehlmeyer is in uniform near the center of the front row.

   

Notes on the original picture identify each person.

To learn more about the past members of the Sandusky Police Department, you can view the historical roster at the city of Sandusky’s website.