(LONDON, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and law enforcement officers from throughout the state gathered today for the annual Ohio Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony to honor the 762 Ohio police officers who have died in the line of duty since 1823.
"Every day, peace officers in Ohio and around the nation shield us and our families from danger," said Attorney General DeWine. "And when, in the course of protecting us, peace officers become casualties, we are made to understand the risks that they and their fellow officers willingly accept as part of their pledge to serve and protect."
Among those honored today include Akron Police Officer Jonathan Russell "Russ" Long who died on August 15, 2013, from complications related to injuries he sustained more than 20 years earlier. On July 30, 1991, a 21-year-old driver led Officer Long and his partner on a pursuit that caused their cruiser to lose control and crash into a utility pole. Officer Long was only 29-years-old at the time and had been a police officer for just six years.
"Officer Long's injuries left him unable to walk or speak, but they did not deter his ability to teach, to lead, and to inspire," said Attorney General DeWine. "Through his limited use of one arm, he learned to communicate with a keyboard and an audio computer, and he taught rookie officers about the dangers of police work."
In addition to Officer Long, six historical inductees were honored after research discovered that they had made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities many years ago.
The historical inductees include:
- Patrolman Charles Miller, Salem Police Department: Patrolman Miller and a fellow officer were dispatched to a train station on April 8, 1908, to arrest a member of a gang of burglars. After Patrolman Miller placed the man under arrest, the suspect pulled a pistol from his pocket and shot the officer twice in the chest. He died at the scene.
- Deputy Rea C. Horlocker, Delaware County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Horlocker and fellow deputies were attempting to apprehend a wanted rum runner on July 3, 1924, when the suspect intentionally struck Deputy Horlocker's patrol motorcycle with his vehicle. The deputy was thrown from his motorcycle and was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
- Chief Deputy James F. Elliott, Columbiana County Sheriff's Office: Chief Deputy Elliott was attempting to stop a car for a traffic violation when he jumped on the running board of the vehicle and ordered the driver to stop. In an attempt to knock Chief Deputy Elliott off the vehicle, the driver swerved and collided with a tree, crushing him. He died from his injuries a week later, on April 12, 1930.
- Patrolman Edward D. Piller, Salem Police Department: Patrolman Piller was riding the department's motorcycle when it malfunctioned and crashed into a ditch on April 25, 1936. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.
- Sheriff Fred Sperber, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office: Sheriff Sperber died on December 31, 1942, when his patrol car collided with a streetcar. Sheriff Sperber had served in law enforcement for 31 years.
- Constable Joseph Rigney, Rome Township Police Department: Constable Rigney was shot and killed on July 29, 1952, when he and another officer went to a suspect's home to serve a warrant for resisting a law enforcement officer. As the officers approached the home, shots were fired, killing Constable Rigney.
The names of the fallen officers honored today have been added to the Ohio Fallen Officers' Memorial Wall, which stands as a lasting tribute to Ohio's 762 officers who gave their lives for their communities since 1823. The wall is located at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in London, Ohio, where today's ceremony was held.
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Photograph:
Jonathan Russell "Russ" Long
Media Contacts:
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840