Throughout Logan County’s history, four law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty: Logan County Sheriff’s Department Deputy George Rockwell in 1878, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Frank J. Hossler in 1956, Officer Sherman Ricketts of the West Liberty Police Department in 1962 and Officer Murray Griffin of the Belle Center Police Department in 1986.
Saturday, May 10, these four officers, along with two officers who were killed in the line of duty in Ohio 2024 – Correction Officer Andrew Lansing and Lt. Rodney Osborne, both of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction – were honored by the Bellefontaine Fraternal Order of Police Hi-Point Lodge No. 60 at the Logan County Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony at Brown Park in downtown Bellefontaine.
In this remarks to those gathered to pay their respects, Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman expressed his utmost appreciation to all law enforcement officers — those who are active, those who are retired, those who have passed, and those who have died in the line of duty — for serving “something larger than themselves, protecting others, defending justice and keeping our communities safe.”
After a procession to Brown Park, the honor roll of the deputies, officers and troopers who have served Logan County over the years were read aloud by Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow and Logan County Sheriff Randall Dodds.
The reading of the honor roll was followed by a 21-gun salute, “Taps” played on the bugle by Lynn Fullerton and “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes by Eric Beverly.
Sheriff Dodds gave consideration to the ceremony following the closing benediction, given by retired Bellefontaine Police Department Det. Blake Kenner, noting that over the years, many of the officers’ names read at Saturday’s Police Memorial Week Ceremony were people he worked with in his many years in law enforcement.
While reflecting on the names of the fallen, the sheriff said he felt both somber and proud.
“Just looking at the honor roll – a lot of them I knew and a lot of them I worked with and remember the time I spent with them. I’m proud to be to be a member of a law enforcement organization.”
Coming together each year to honor fallen service members and others who have left their mark is an important tribute for law enforcement, their families and the community as a whole.
“It’s very solemn, it’s very emotional, and very somber, but it’s also a good thing. I appreciate that we can honor those who passed before us,” Sheriff Dodds said.
