CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Residents, first responders, and law enforcement from across the region joined together in solidarity today for Sergeant Eric Kocheran.
Kocheran, a deputy with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office was critically wounded when a lone shooter launched an attack at the Ross County Law Complex on Thursday.
At 1:00 p.m., members of the community gathered in front of the Law Complex to hold a prayer vigil for Sergeant Kocheran. Sheriff George Lavender greeted the community and gave a brief update on the Sergeants’ current condition. Area pastors led those in attendance in prayer for the fallen officer who heroically took down the shooter in a brief firefight.
The small southern Ohio community of Chillicothe has been in shock since the shooting. One resident told the Guardian, “Stuff like this isn’t supposed to happen here.” Other members of the sheriff’s office said, “this is a sad reminder of the risks that each of us takes when we put on the badge.”
Following the initial prayers service, those in attendance were asked by local pastor Chris Vanbuskirk of CenterPoint Church to circle around the entire Ross County Law Complex to show their support and to pray for all members of the law enforcement community in Ross County.
Sergeant Eric Kocheran remains in critical but stable condition following multiple surgeries to repair the damage that was done in the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing by Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
In partnership with Scioto Valley Guardian and OhioHealth, the American Red Cross is holding two blood drives this week in honor of Sergeant Eric Kocheran.
The blood drives will be held at the Red Cross South Central Ohio Chapter office at 181 N. Bridge Street in Chillicothe on Monday, November 21 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In partnership with local crafter Tina Detty, the Guardian will be giving away a limited number of shirts to donors for their participation.To schedule a blood donation appointment in honor of Sergeant Kocheran go to redcrossblood.org and use zip code 45601 to identify the two Chillicothe blood drives.