City honors local fallen law enforcement officers at annual memorial service at bandstand
LANCASTER — City police chief Nick Snyder said police work is not just a job, but a calling.
Snyder was one of the speakers at the annual city memorial service for fallen police officers at the downtown bandstand near Main and Broad streets Tuesday. He said those killed in the line of duty gave their lives for something much more than themselves.
Snyder also addressed law enforcement officers from various local agencies and municipalities who attended the ceremony.
"You have to remember that your lives begin to fade the day you become silent about things that matter," he said. "You cannot be silent about things that matter, especially in this world today in 2022. I'm proud of you for standing here strong for these officers. You're the lifeline of their legacies and memories."
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These are the local officers honored during the ceremony:
City police officer William T. Osborn who was fatally shot while conducting burglary surveillance at the county courthouse in 1909.
City police officer Brett D. Markwood who was fatally shot while pursuing a robbery suspect in 1993.
City police officer Marvin S. Moyer who died in 2017 from injuries sustained during a 1998 traffic stop.
Fairfield County Sheriff Deputy Chad S. Edwards who died in a 1995 crash.
Fairfield County Sheriff Deputy Ethan G. Collins who died in a 2006 crash.
Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Andy Ward, who died last year of COVID-19.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore, who died last year from a medical emergency while responding to a call of two people falling through ice at Rocky Fork State Park.
Ohio Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, was one of the featured speakers.
"It's so very, very important that we honor those who have served us so well and continue to serve us and particularly those who have an end of watch (death) on duty as we have suffered so many of those in Fairfield County," he said. "This is such a solemn occasion to reflect on the legacy and lives of those who have given their lives in the service of our communities, our homes, our county and our state and our nation."
Mayor David Scheffler said the crowd at the service shows the support the community gives to law enforcement.
"I don't know that we're unique, but the citizens of Lancaster are big supporters of our police and fire (departments) and we really appreciate that," he said. "It just points out that the quality of life here in Lancaster continues to be good. We've got a lot of good people here and we're trying to hire more."
Scheffler said the city has about 64 police officers and wants to have a total of 73.
"We're slowly getting there," he said.
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Moyer's widow, Connie Moyer, addressed the officers near the end of the service.
"As survivors, we honor our current law enforcement officers," she said. "We truly love you and we know that it's difficult out there for you. I want you to know that our survivors here pray for you all every day. Every day so that you have that covering."
Following Moyer's remarks, the family members of the fallen officers pinned each assembled officer with a ribbon of appreciation."
jbarron@gannett.com
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Twitter: @JeffDBarron
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: City honors local fallen law enforcement officers at memorial service
