LONDON, Ohio — Ohio’s Attorney General, Dave Yost, and members of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission paid tribute to eight Ohio peace officers who died in the line of duty in the past few years, in a ceremony held in London, Ohio. During the ceremony, which was the 35th annual Ohio Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, Yost referred to the eight peace officers as heroes who defended society’s values against those who tried to cause harm. He also said that the Ohio Peace Officers would not forget their sacrifice, and the promise made to them was “carved in stone” in the “Circle of Heroes.”
The ceremony also honored 15 heroes, including eight who died in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The other seven were historical honorees, including six Dayton police officers who died of the Spanish flu in the early 1900s. The names of these heroes were added to the wall.
During the ceremony, the names of the eight peace officers who were lost in recent years were read out, and their bravery was recognized. Deputy Daniel J. Kin, from the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, was killed in a crash while transporting a prisoner to the courthouse. Deputy Matthew E. Yates, from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, died in a shootout while responding to a report of gunshots at a mobile home park. Officer Dominic M. Francis, from the Bluffton Police Department, was killed by a stolen car during a police chase. Agent John D. Stayrook, from the Medina County Drug Task Force, died after contracting COVID-19 while assisting the Brunswick Division of Police during a drug-related traffic stop. Patrolman Sean E. VanDenberg, from the Lawrence Twp. Police Department, died after contracting COVID-19 from an arrestee he had transported to jail. Deputy Robert “Craig” Mills, from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, died after a long struggle with COVID-19. Officer Edward L. Stewart from the Cleveland Division of Police and Deputy Brian K. Etheridge from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office also lost their lives while serving their communities.
These peace officers are remembered for their dedication to their job and their love for their communities. They are survived by their loved ones, who have taken pride in their bravery and the ultimate sacrifice they made.