(LONDON, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, members of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and law enforcement officers from across the state gathered today for the annual Ohio Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony to honor the 799 Ohio peace officers who have died in the line of duty since 1823.
“Public safety doesn't happen by accident, it depends on the vigilance, actions and courage of real people who wear a badge,” Yost said. “We honor those who made this choice, and paid the ultimate price for it.”
Among those honored today are four officers who died in 2018:
Officer Eric J. Joering
Westerville Division of Police
On Feb. 10, 2018, Officer Eric J. Joering, 39, and Officer Anthony P. Morelli were dispatched to a home on a domestic-violence call. After they were let in, a man opened fire. Both officers were hit and fired at the shooter, wounding him. Joering died at the scene. Joering, who served as a K9 officer with Sam, a Belgian Malinois, had served Westerville since 2001 as a training officer, firearm trainer, and a street cop. Joering is survived by his wife and three young daughters. Sam retired from the Westerville Police Division and resides with the family. Click here for more information about Officer Joering.
Officer Anthony P. Morelli
Westerville Division of Police
On Feb. 10, 2018, Officer Anthony “Tony” Pasquale Morelli, 54, and Officer Eric J. Joering, were dispatched to a home on a domestic-violence call. After they were let in, a man opened fire. Both officers were hit and fired at the shooter, wounding him. Morelli died at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. Morelli began his career with the Westerville Division of Police in 1988 and was proud to protect Westerville, where he also lived. In his 30 years with the police division, he was voted officer of the year in 2003 and 2012, was honored with a Medal of Valor and received many other awards. Morelli is survived by his wife, daughter and son-in-law, son, his parents and many loving family members and friends in Westerville and Massillon. Click here for more information about Officer Morelli.
Officer Mathew J. Mazany
Mentor Police Department
On June 24, 2018, Officer Mathew J. Mazany, 41, arrived to assist a Mentor Police Officer who had pulled over a person wanted in another jurisdiction. As he approached the vehicle, he was struck by another vehicle. Officer Mazany served the Mentor Police Department for 14 years, was honored with the department’s Exceptional Service Award and received many accolades from Mentor residents for his professionalism and compassion. Mazany is survived by his wife and son, father, and many loving family members and friends. Click here for more information about Officer Mazany.
Officer Vu X. Nguyen
Cleveland Division of Police
On July 2, 2018, Officer Vu X. Nguyen, 50, collapsed in 90-degree heat during a canine-officer training exercise. He passed away on July 6 at Cleveland Clinic. A 20-year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department, Officer Nguyen was a popular officer, with commendations in his file including a Medal of Heroism and a special thanks from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is survived by his wife and two children, and, as one of 14 siblings, a large extended family across the country. Click here for more information about Officer Nguyen.
Also honored today were four officers who were nominated for historical induction to the memorial after their departments discovered that the officers had made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities in the past.
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Deputy Sheriff George W. Rockwell | Logan County Sheriff’s Office
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Chief Deputy Martin L. Myers | Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office
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Officer Clark Teeple | Napolean Police Department
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Special Officer Joseph B. Mumford | East Liverpool Police Department
Click here for more information about these officers.
A moment of silence was held for Colerain Township Police Officer Dale Woods and Clermont County Sheriff’s Deputy William Brewer, who gave their lives in the line of duty earlier this year. In keeping with Ohio Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony tradition, Officer Woods and Deputy Brewer will receive full honors during the 2020 ceremony.
Law enforcement agencies from Butler, Cuyahoga, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Lake, Lucas, Madison, Montgomery, Richland, Shelby and Summit counties were among those that participated in today's ceremony.
NOTE: The Ohio Attorney General’s Office can provide video/still images from today’s ceremony for news download and use. Please email jonathan.quilter@ohioattorneygeneral.gov to receive a download link.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417
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